With restaurants around Michigan once again allowed to welcome dine-in customers, the Berrien County Health Department has some advice to help keep customers safe. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the department is charged with making sure restaurants follow the rules.
“Our environmental health inspectors are going out for routine inspections making sure there is compliance with the food code, but while they’re doing these routine inspections, we’re also checking up with some of the additional recommendations and guidelines, requirements that are in place,” Conrad said.
Those rules include keeping tables six feet apart and limiting customers to 50% of capacity. Conrad has some tips for those who go to restaurants.
“Take outdoor seating if you can. That is a better bet than indoor seating where there’s less air flow. Make sure that you’re washing your hands before eating, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible. Consider keeping your party size small.”
And keep it to people with whom you’ve already been in contact. Conrad adds carry out remains a better bet than dining in, and notes those who are high-risk should take more precautions. Some restaurants are not reopening yet because they lack the sanitation supplies or the staff to be fully functional. However, Conrad says most locally are open or getting ready to reopen.
