9 ways to stay safe when dining at restaurants

If you’re worried about the Omicron variant while dining at restaurants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tips for minimizing everyday risks of getting and spreading COVID-19.

News 12 Staff

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Jun 15, 2020, 3:25 PM

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Updated 1,051 days ago

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If you’re worried about the Omicron variant while dining at restaurants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tips for minimizing everyday risks of getting and spreading COVID-19.

In general, the CDC says outdoors is the safer choice! You are less likely to be exposed to COVID-19 during outdoor activities, even without the use of masks.

Here are some tips from the CDC for dining at restaurants:

1. What’s safer?

The CDC says outdoor activities are safer – including picking up curbside meals, having food delivered and eating outside at a restaurant where the tables are at least 6 feet apart.

2. Less safe?

The CDC says indoor activities like eating inside at a restaurant is less safe.

3. Get a vaccine

One way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to get a vaccine or booster as soon as you can, the CDC says. CLICK HERE to find a vaccine near you.

4. Wear a mask

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others. Wear the mask as much as possible when not eating and drinking.

5. Distancing and crowds

Stay six feet apart from others who don’t live with you and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

6. Wash your hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

7. Self park

Ask about options for self-parking to remove the need for a valet service.

8. Get tested

Consider using a self-test, or a PCR test, before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household. Testing prevents spreading the virus to others. CLICK HERE to find a testing location near you.

9. Stay home if sick

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people, the CDC says.