Restaurants are the backbone of many communities and an essential pillar of our economy. With more than 1 million restaurant locations across the United States, the industry employs more than 15 million people, all being impacted by Covid-19.
Therefore it comes as no surprise it was perhaps one of the hardest-hit economic sectors when the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 60% of the jobs lost during March and April belonged to the leisure and hospitality industry, mainly in food service and drinking places.
Thankfully, now that states are slowly lifting restrictions and allowing restaurants to reopen once again, the industry is now rebounding. But the questions of how to open safely still lingers.
Luckily, local and federal agencies are providing some guidance as to how businesses can reopen safely. The use of personal protective gear (PPE) for staff members, fewer tables, and the use of contactless payment methods such as smartphone payment apps are all important measures to help reduce the risk of infection.
A positive side of already being heavily regulated by health agencies that establish robust safety protocols is that few other industries are as prepared to embrace the new safety guidelines as much as the food and drink industry.
Regaining the Public’s Trust
For many restauranteurs, the issue of liability weighs heavily on their minds. Aside from the new logistics of providing the necessary spacing within the restaurants, figuring out how to convince their patron’s that it’s safe to return to restaurants is the most significant challenge.
These reassurances must also extend to the kitchen and dining staff who need to feel safe in their workplace.
So, the question lingers, how can restaurant owners protect themselves from possible lawsuits while at the same time protect their employees and clients from exposure to potentially harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS CoV2, the virus responsible for COVID-19?
Controlling bacteria growth in the kitchen and dining areas is the key to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens that sicken anyone working or visiting the restaurant.
Yet how do you know if your staff or outsourced cleaning company is following the established protocols? How can you be sure your restaurant is maintaining a low bacterial count on surfaces and the air?
At Allometrics, we have the ideal and most cost-effective answer to these questions. We offer a range of tests that provide quick and accurate results regarding bacteria count, air quality, and the presence of COVID-19.
Molecular Testing for COVID-19
Molecular testing was designed to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Molecular testing is the most reliable test available to business owners to confirm that their workspace is safe for staff and clients alike.
Conducting periodic Molecular testing for COVID-19 can help protect restauranteurs from potential lawsuits of patrons claiming they contracted the illness at their restaurant.
Turn Around: 1-4 business days
If you own a restaurant and are preparing to reopen, contact us for more information on how Allometrics can assist in helping you resume business safely.