Eating out has changed a lot during the pandemic. Even when indoor dining is permitted, it can be hard to know how risky it really is to sit down and order a waffle or a burrito. We’ve highlighted how a few different restaurants are implementing COVID-19 precautions to keep customers safe.
After entering Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start Reopening Plan, Public Health – Seattle & King County has observed an unsettling trend with COVID-19 cases rising as restaurants, bars, and taverns resume operations. In an effort to keep businesses open and move King County forward through the Safe Start phases, Public Health is launching a new initiative to begin educational outreach and enforcement of Safe Start requirements for operating restaurants, bars, and taverns.
On July 8, 2020, Public Health – Seattle & King County closed Duke’s Chowder House on Alki Beach. This restaurant location was closed due to an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 among employees, the potential for workplace and employee transmission, and for non-compliance with Washington’s Safe Start Plan.
In response to rising COVID-19 cases county wide, Public Health – Seattle & King County is expanding efforts to educate and enforce compliance of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start COVID-19 reopening requirements in food establishments.
Under the current Health Order, restaurants may remain open for drive-through, delivery, and pick-up. Our Food Program also has a role to play in working with food service establishments so that they comply with the health order.
The Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County has issued an order intended to curtail the amount of face-to-interaction in the community that can potentially spread the virus. We explain what is now prohibited and what is still allowed (if steps to minimize the risk are taken.)