CDC study shows COVID-19 spread linked to dining at restaurants
Social distancing has made everyone stir-crazy. And the one thing people miss the most is going to restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Now that social distancing guidelines are being relaxed, it's tempting to take your chances at your favorite eatery. According to a study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control And Prevention, staying home might be safer.
Covid-19 And Dining Out
The CDC reports that twice as many patients who tested positive for Covid-19 had eaten in a restaurant during the two weeks before their test.
There were other notable findings.
These same patients also reported that they had been to coffee shops and bars.
71% of positive patients declared that they wore face masks and coverings when out in public.
74% of negative patients reported regular mask usage.
Two things to keep in mind. This study did not ask if diners had eaten inside or outside. They also didn't ask if they or the restaurant they dined at followed social distancing guidelines.
The study examined data from 314 adults from across 11 states. 160 of them tested negative for Covid-19, and 154 tested positive. Experts would like to see a larger group of patients with data studied. Researchers also asked patients about other activities. These included gym attendance, shopping, and going to bars.
Some patients had gathered in homes with 10 people or fewer. Many had gone to salons, offices, or attended socially distant religious services. The study showed no statistical differences between the behaviors of negative and positive patients. So why is dining out thought to influence the spread of Covid-19?
Restaurants And Covid-19 Transmission
There were no significant correlations between mask-wearing and disease spread in places like grocery stores, office settings, and public spaces. But in restaurants, the risk of viral transmission practically doubled. The one thing that stood out to researchers is that in restaurants, you cannot eat or drink and keep a mask in place.
So what about bars and coffee shops? In both instances, a mask isn't removed for the same length of time. Sipping a drink takes seconds while consuming a meal takes much longer.
Take precautions when dining out. If possible, eat at restaurants with outdoor seating that follow social distancing guidelines. Inadequate ventilation increases the likelihood of viral spread. Here is a list of lowest to the highest risks when dining out during Covid-19.
Delivery, curbside pickup, and takeout only restaurants are the least risky to frequent.
Restaurants limited to outdoor dining with tables spread a minimum of six feet apart are riskier.
The risk is higher if a restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining while following social distance guidelines.
Eateries with outdoor and indoor dining that do not follow social distancing guidelines are the riskiest places to eat.
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