The City of Toronto has released guidelines for restaurants that provide the clearest picture so far of how dining will look once the province allows establishments to reopen for dine-in service.
The guidelines include a slew of recommendations from Toronto Public Health about how restaurants can prepare to reopen when they are allowed to do so.
“We want people to be able to get ready. That’s why we’re providing public health advice now, ahead of the lifting of provincial restrictions,” Mayor John Tory said Friday.
He stressed restaurants will not be able to reopen until the province gives the go-ahead.
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However
the guidelines also list a raft of measures specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even when restaurants reopen, the document says, staff and customers should still maintain six feet (two metres) of distance at all times.
Seating and tables need to be rearranged so that there is at least six feet of distance from edge to edge and no more than six customers should be seated at each table. As well, food establishments will not be allowed to have more than 50 per cent of their rated capacity.
Toronto Public Health is advising that restaurants consider welcoming customers by reservation only.
Operators will be required to keep logs, including name and contact information, for all customers and staff, along with check-in times. In the event that someone is found to have COVID-19 and has been at the establishment, public health will use the list to reach out to anyone who may possibly have been infected.
Other measures include:
- Removing waiting areas and clearly marking spaces for physical distancing where any lineups may occur
- Rearranging kitchen space so that proper distance is maintained at all times and enforcing mask wearing where that is not possible
- If necessary, install plexiglass barriers in some areas
- Buffet and self-serve areas should be removed
- Providing guidance to customers, including arrows showing how to enter and exit, and explaining any policies that affect them.
- The use of non-medical masks or face coverings in all indoor public spaces is strongly encouraged
- Operators can require customers to wear masks, except when eating.
- Utensils should be rolled or pre-packaged rather than set out
- Table items, such as ketchup and salt should be sanitized between uses or replaced with single-serve versions
- People showing signs of COVID-19 should not be admitted
- Customers must be seated (no service to standing customers, such as at bars)
- Live music is prohibited