By Corina Tan
As the surge of Omicron continues to be a threat in our community and cases seem to be increasing by the day, most of us have continued to live life according to the new norms that we have become accustomed to. With ease of restrictions, we have also been getting back to some semblance of normalcy by enjoying the liberating atmosphere of dining out and meeting up with family and friends. This will be a good time to examine some of the choices we make that could affect our health when we dine out.
Alfresco dining
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Alfresco dining is really the best option when it comes to ensuring a less risky dining experience. It allows for better air circulation and less chances of being exposed to any kind of infection including Covid-19. Choose restaurants that diligently adhere to SOPs and space out tables about one metre apart from one another.
Keep your distance
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Even if the restaurant you have chosen has planned for social distancing, it’s not always possible to stay one metre away from others. Wear a mask and keep it on right up till the moment you’re ready to eat or drink. Many people take their mask off as soon as they are seated. This isn’t a good idea since airborne germs are likely to spread when people are talking while waiting for their food.
Avoid large group dining
This is not the time for community dining tables or large groups gathering for food. Avoid planning or attending any event where you know that there will be people from different households or work gathering together in one large or long table. While some restaurants allow this, it isn’t a good idea to spend such an extensive amount of time with various people where your mask is off. Call restaurants to check their dining policies before going for dinner, so you can avoid other large dining groups as well.
Avoid touching extra items
Try your best to avoid touching any extra items when at the restaurant. Bring your own pen in case you may need it, and opt for viewing the restaurant’s online menu before you get there. Touching restaurant items can put you at risk for coming in contact with germs. Remember to sanitise after touching door handles, chairs, tables or the bar counter. For restaurants without online menus, it is best to wash your hands after viewing the menu.
Wash your hands
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Washing your hands may seem like such repetitive advice, but it remains one of the most effective ways to stay healthy. Do so before leaving the house, and immediately after you get home. Use a sanitizer for all the in between moments and bring it with you to be used at your table before eating.
Pay with a card
Do use your credit or debit card when paying for the bill. Cash is no longer a great option during these unprecedented times, and with the advent of so many cashless options, this is a good time to take advantage of them. Most times, just tapping your card at the terminal means less contact without touching anything else. However, if you need to key in a pin, remember to sanitise your hands after.
Don’t linger
Once you’ve finished your meal, make every effort not to linger. The longer you are out in public, the greater your chance of being exposed to various infections. If you’re not ready to end the night, take a walk or drive around a new neighbourhood for a change in scenery.
Stay home if you feel sick
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If you ever find yourself feeling a little under the weather, postpone your outing. Make use of your home Covid-19 test kits and adhere to any quarantine requirements if need be. You can still enjoy take-out food with contactless delivery to tide you over until you feel well again.
