Centers for Disease Control posted a weekly morbidity and mortality report on September 11, 2020. This reasoned why adults visiting on-site eating- and drinking facilities were more likely to contract COVID-19 disease. People at risk in the study had close contacts with others with known infections. A Chattanooga restaurant owner accuses CDC of being unfair.
Stab In Our Back, Chattanooga Restaurant Owner Accuses CDC
The Chattanooga Times Free Press published the restaurant owner’s rebuttal on September 13, 2020. The owner claims the CDC report is an example of ‘the bullseye they have put on the back of small restaurants’. Walmart has foot traffic in two hours they only experience during their best weeks, they say. Why not pick on these big box places instead.
The report in question is by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in conjunction with Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Chattanooga restaurant owner accuses CDC of unfairness in its conclusion. They found ‘people sitting in close proximity to one another in restaurants are unable to wear masks while eating’.
What Are the Facts Behind Emotions in this Case
The CDC report recommends social distancing, choosing carry-out over dine-in, and wearing masks when not eating or drinking. The National Restaurant Association came out in support of the Chattanooga restaurant owner as follows:
1… The researchers did not discriminate between indoor and outdoor dining.
2… The CDC acknowledges other factors could have been the infection source
3… There is no clear evidence the infections were contracted in restaurants
4… ‘It is irresponsible to blame the spread of COVID-19 on a single industry’
The Chattanooga restaurant owner accuses CDC of being unfair, because they have followed its advice and taken precautions. The CDC is fulfilling its mandate of informing the public. We believe in publishing both sides to a debate. Then it’s up to our readers to decide for themselves.
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