COVID-19 in restaurants: Social distancing, gloves and staff checks implemented to reassure diners
Don’t stand so close to me: Cafes and restaurants implement “social distancing” and other extreme measures to reassure customers their venue is coronavirus free.
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Social distancing, wearing gloves and checking staff temperatures are just some of the measures Sydney’s crippled hospitality industry is implementing to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government’s advice to stay home and isolated is counter productive for restaurants and cafes across the city that rely on bums on seats to survive.
Many are introducing measures to reassure customers that they will be safe from the virus if they choose to eat at their establishment.
From today, Milky Lane owner Christian Avant said he had enforced social distancing – increasing the distance between diners – and zero hand contact between consumer and staff to put diners minds at ease.
“As an industry we are taking every precautionary measure possible and will continue to do so – your safety is paramount to us and we will do everything within our powers to provide clean, hygienic and safe environments for which you can enjoy our offerings,” he said.
“Australia we need your help, we’re asking you to please continue eating out like you’ve always done in the past, get takeaway from your favourite restaurants and where possible pick up instead of home deliveries.”
In addition hand sanitiser will be available at each entrance, nothing will be left on tables that multiple customers have access to and cash transactions encouraged over cash.
These measures will be enforced at all seven NSW venues including Bondi, Parramatta, Cronulla, Coogee, Crows Nest, Kings Cross and Newcastle.
Cavallino Ristorante at Terrey Hills has also reduced its seating capacity to space tables out more and staff will wear gloves during service. Staff temperatures will also be checked with a thermometer on arrival to their shifts.
“Starting today, we are taking the social distancing rules very seriously here,” general manager Roberto Dessanti said.
“Our tables are spaced out far wider, and being in a huge venue we do have the luxury of space.
“We also have hand sanitisers at the entrance of our restaurant, and we insist patrons use it on the way in and on the way out, to reduce the risk of coronavirus.”
Iconic chicken chain Chargrill Charlie’s announced their own measures yesterday, including cashless payments only, a ban on dining in stores and closing between 2.30 – 4pm to clean and sanitise before dinner service.
“We understand this is not ideal but during this time, it is of prime importance that we put our customers and health first,” a post to the Chargrill Charlie’s Instagram account read.