Eat Safely and Stay Healthy

It has been a long time since life felt normal. For those who love eating in restaurants or just want to pop in somewhere and get a quick snack, it has meant a complete change in routine. Those who don't like to cook have had it the worst during the pandemic. Here are some ways to eat outside the home safely.

No Contact Vending Machines

Vending machines are always open, so you won't need to worry about early quarantine closing times. Especially if your working hours have changed and the normal coffee shops are closed, connected vending machines might be what save you during this strange time. Many people are currently choosing not to handle money because paper money retains viruses on its surface. A better alternative is a machine that accepts phone or card payments.

In addition, potential customers can be assured that employees who load the machines are wearing gloves when they perform this action. No face-to-face or hand-to-hand contact is needed when you purchase from machines.

How to Choose A Safe Restaurant

By law, restaurants have had to make some changes during the pandemic. However, just because the law has given them regulations to abide by, it doesn't mean they are all following the guidelines perfectly. Before you eat somewhere, peek inside and see if the servers are all wearing masks and gloves. Only about half the restaurant's capacity should be seated. An easy way to figure this out without counting is to check that every other table is empty.

If that part looks alright, are there plexiglass shields or some other kind of barrier between tables and also between the tables and walkways? Also check that there are appropriate signs for customers, such as keeping masks on until seated and only using the restrooms one at a time.

Some especially strict establishments may take temperatures, ask if anyone in your party has had symptoms during the past 24 hours, or ask for your contact information in case outbreak tracing needs to be done.

If these precautions are making you feel secure about staying and eating, a final thing to look for is what happens with the menus. Do not trust the normal vinyl covered ones. If the server tries to hand you one, ask for a disposable paper one instead. Some restaurants are using QR code technology so you can scan a code on your phone and read the entire menu that way.

Some things you will just have to trust. Restaurant workers should have their temperature taken before they start their shift. We always have to trust that cooks are behaving properly, even in normal times. They should always be wearing gloves and other gear like head coverings to keep their food preparation clean. Now, in addition, they should be wearing masks but you won't be able to tour the kitchen and check.

One other thing that may seem strange at first is that there will be no extras at the table such as salt and pepper shakers, or in the case of a pancake house, none of those assorted syrup dispensers you're used to. Don't hesitate to ask the server for anything you need, though. Some will bring you the normal container and you'll have to hope it's been disinfected since the last customer used it. Some restaurants give out individual packets of condiments instead to play it really safe.

One last thing, if you believe the restaurant and your waitstaff have done everything possible to let you eat safely, reward them with an extra large tip. It isn't easy talking to diners with a mask on and keeping the mask and gloves on for their full shift can become very uncomfortable very quickly. They need a reward of some kind.

Take a good look at your possibilities for eating away from home and only go with those that you thoroughly trust. Although you might have a good time, it's not worth getting sick.