After several months of suffering earlier this year, restaurants across the United States happily reopened their doors at the start of summer, with new protocols and cleaning procedures in place, expanded outdoor dining areas, and re-trained staff members. Couped up Americans, who had been locked inside for weeks began to venture out, adorning masks, to visit their favorite local restaurants and “feel normal” again, for an hour or two while enjoying their favorite meals.  

 

ARE PEOPLE PAYING THE PRICE FOR DINING OUT? 

However, a new study from the CDC may cause you to think twice before visiting an eating establishment in person anytime soon. The study, published in early September, cites that “adults who tested positive for Covid-19 were approximately twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant in the 14 days before becoming ill than those who tested negative.” 

Also noteworthy in the study, there were no significant differences between those who tested positive versus negative when it came to shopping, gathering with fewer than 10 people in a home, going to an office, going to a gym, going to a salon, using public transportation or attending religious gatherings.  

 

TAKING PRECAUTIONS 

While masks cannot be effectively worn while eating and drinking, facial shields can be comfortably worn to protect patrons while dining at a restaurant. Facial shields also offer superior protection when compared to a fabric or disposable masks, as they protect the wearer’s nose, mouth and eyes.  

To see a full comparison between shields versus masks, check out this blog post.  

 

HOW TO DINE OUT WITH A SHIELD 

  1. Place your shield over your face while still in your vehicle once you’ve arrived at the restaurant. Ensure the fit is snug and comfortable. 
  1. Enter the restaurant, order drinks and remember to ask for a straw. Face shields can remain on while you are enjoying any beverage. 
  1. Once your meal arrives, if needed adjust your shield slightly upwards by moving the forehead piece towards the top of your head so that you can more easily maneuver food into your mouth. 
  1. After finishing your food, pull the shield down again so that the bottom of the shield is parallel with your chest.  

 

WHERE TO BUY 

If you are interested in purchasing a facial shield, click here!