"Data tying systemic community outbreaks of COVID-19 to restaurants has yet to emerge, but we are too commonly labelled as “super-spreaders,” and have become a convenient scapegoat for reflexive shutdowns."
"Restaurant operations should be treated the same as other retail establishments. Shutting down indoor dining should be considered a last option. • If a shutdown is mandated, restaurants should be recognized as essential businesses and remain open for off-premise sales (e.g., takeout, delivery, and drive-through), as well as outdoor dining. "
Seems to be a fair amount linking restaurants to an increase in exposure to COVID.
ReplyDelete"Participants with and without COVID-19 reported generally similar community exposures, with the exception of going to locations with on-site eating and drinking options," the authors said. Dining at a restaurant included indoor, patio, and outdoor seating.
"Reports of exposures in restaurants have been linked to air circulation. Direction, ventilation, and intensity of airflow might affect virus transmission, even if social distancing measures and mask use are implemented according to current guidance," the authors added. "Masks cannot be effectively worn while eating and drinking, whereas shopping and numerous other indoor activities do not preclude mask use."
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/09/close-case-contact-dining-out-tied-covid-19-spread
And more.