We hoped not to hear this news. That’s because it’s a tough reality for our friends in the restaurant business, and for customers too. However, there are hopefully things we can do on both sides of the table to improve the situation. But how sure are we really that adults with COVID-19 are twice likely to dine out? We provide the evidence.
Adults with COVID-19 Twice Likely to Dine Out – The Facts
News site NPR explains CDC interviewed 314 adults who checked in for testing after they showed COVID-19 symptoms. Of these, 154 tested positive. The study chose the remaining 160 negative ones as the control group. The researchers inquired after their face mask policy, and where they had been during the past two weeks.
1… 71% of infected people said they always wore face masks in public compared to 74% in the control group.
2… Both groups reported going to gyms, hair salons, shops and in-home group gatherings at about the same rate.
3… However, the positive cases were twice as likely to report dining out at restaurants within the 14-day period before feeling sick.
Masks Cannot be Worn Effectively While Eating and Drinking
CDC (Centers for Disease Control) explains eating and drinking prevents us wearing face masks. Whereas this is entirely practical and possible when shopping and numerous other indoor activities. Direction, ventilation and airflow may also affect the situation.
However, it’s important to note 42% of the infected group were more likely to have an infected close contact, compared to 14% of the control group. Despite this, the numbers indicate adults with covid-19 are twice likely to dine out.
We are not scientists, but we have noticed standards slipping in some restaurants we visited. We would be surprised if they deliberately flaunted the rules. However, we understand challenging a paying customer is not good business. We think this needs teamwork to take forward.
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Preview Image: A Restaurant in China
