CDC Releases Considerations for Restaurant and Bar Operators

On June 14, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released Considerations for Restaurant and Bar Operators, guidance that may assist independent living operators with restaurants or bars as they navigate the reopening process. Restaurant and bar operators should work with state and local officials to determine whether and how to implement these considerations, making adjustments to meet the needs and circumstances of the local community. Implementation should be guided by what is feasible, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community. These considerations supplement, but do not replace, any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which businesses must comply.

The guidance provides an overview of risk levels based on a variety of circumstances:

Lowest Risk: Food service limited to drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick-up.
More Risk: Drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick-up emphasized. On-site dining limited to outdoor seating. Seating capacity reduced to allow tables to be spaced at least six feet apart.
Higher Risk: On-site dining with indoor seating capacity reduced to allow tables to be spaced at least six feet apart and/or on-site dining with outdoor seating, but tables not spaced at least six feet apart.
Highest Risk: On-site dining with indoor seating. Seating capacity not reduced and tables not spaced at least six feet apart.

The guidance also reviews how to promote behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19. Potential strategies include:

Staying home when appropriate;
Masking when not eating or drinking and when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain;
Practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette;
Having adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene; and
Posting signage that promotes everyday protective measures for both employees and customers.

Contact: Sara Neitzel, sneitzel@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8835 or Kris Myers, kmyers@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383