The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released its interim guidelines for restaurants planning to open under the second phase of the state’s staggered reopening. The guidelines include both requirements and recommendations for operation under phase two, which is expected to begin on Friday, May 22. The official announcement from Governor Cooper regarding the beginning of phase two is expected on Wednesday, though the documents released by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association are dated May 22, 2020.  

Restaurants must operate at a limited capacity, ensuring six feet between tables, with the number of diners reaching no more than 50 percent of maximum occupancy. “Emergency Maximum Capacity” signage, as well as signage reminding guests to socially distance, must be clearly posted. Where applicable, customers must wait in line six feet apart. Other mandatory steps to reopen include maintaining increased sanitation, such as constant disinfection of high-touch areas and shared items such as cash registers, frequent hand-washing, and daily questioning of staff to ensure any employee with COVID-like symptoms are sent home to self-isolate. 

The document also recommends but does not require masks, limiting parties to six per table unless they are family, providing hand sanitizer, installing barriers at food pickup areas or cash registers, removing preset table settings, and removing any self-serve stations.

You can see the full document here. —Kristen Wile

 

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