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Travelling to Your Favourite Place? Tips to Dine Safely during Your Trip

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Published on September 17, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

The restrictions necessitated by the novel coronavirus pandemic took away a number of small joys — meeting your friends, going out, and dining at a restaurant. Curbs have been lifted now, but the pandemic is still ongoing. As we realize that we must work on ways to live with it, caution is necessary to slowly return to regular activities.

After more than a year’s wait, you can now travel to a new place and enjoy a scrumptious meal while sitting in your favourite restaurant. However, since most eateries are indoors and masks cannot be worn in restaurants, it is important to go the extra mile to ensure your safety. Here are some ways in which you can exercise caution while dining out:

Ask yourself whether dining out is necessary

As the pandemic is still ongoing, dining out, at least for the foreseeable future, should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Eating requires you to remove your mask, which is the most effective barrier to coronavirus. So, think several times before venturing to dine out.

Check with the restaurant to avoid large crowds

In the event that you do decide to go out and dine, one of the first things you want to ensure is that the restaurant you are going to is not crowded and follows social distancing norms. Check with the restaurant about this beforehand. Once at the restaurant, check for social distancing, cleaning and sanitizing between the change of customers and the establishment’s limit on large group sizes. If you’re uncomfortable with the size of the crowd in the restaurant, simply leave.

Before choosing the restaurant, enquire about their safety protocols

When you’re calling to reserve a table, you should ask about the specific steps being taken to disinfect, sanitize, trace contacts and carry out temperature checks at the premises. Failure or hesitancy to answer such basic questions should prompt you to reconsider your visit to the particular restaurant.

Choose ventilated areas for seating

In addition to checking for safety protocols and measures, one should always look for well-ventilated seating at any restaurant that you choose to visit. Choose outdoor seating if possible at the restaurant because it is more likely that the virus dissipates. As per health experts, this particular measure will help reduce the risk of transmission.

Bring your own hand sanitizer and wipes

Although most restaurants will have their sanitizers, wipes and other precautionary paraphernalia, you want to ensure that you carry your own. You can use your own sanitizers and wipes to clean and sanitize surfaces like doors, handles, cutlery and even use them while you use the washroom.

Always wear your mask, even at the restaurant

If you are at a restaurant but not eating or drinking, be vigilant and don’t let your guard down. Keep your mask handy so you can wear it while ordering, waiting for your food and when leaving. You can choose to place it on your chin when you’re eating or drinking and promptly put it on to protect yourself as well as the people around you.

Avoid the restrooms as far as possible

Unless absolutely necessary, try and avoid going to the restrooms. Restrooms typically are closed and not adequately ventilated are hotbeds for germs, viruses and pose a significant risk of transmission. Flushing can also send up germs into the air in the enclosed space. This is particularly risky as studies show that coronavirus can be found in faeces as well. In the event you must go to the washroom, carry your own mask, sanitizers, wipes and be extra vigilant during use.

Be Quick, Be Safe

Last but not the least, do not spend more time in the restaurant or such public spaces longer than you need to. You can do this by making prior reservations so that you don’t have to wait around at the restaurant. Consider going through the menu online beforehand so that you don’t waste time deciding what to eat. This way you will significantly reduce the chances of catching the virus.

Conclusion

As restaurants and public spaces start to open up, the risk of transmission, even after you take all necessary precautions, looms large. You may want to go out and enjoy a nice meal while on a trip to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Neglecting to take precautions can put you and your family at risk, far away from home. With HDFC ERGO, get travel insurance online or any emergencies during domestic or foreign travel that may interrupt your plans. It covers emergency medical expenses through cashless treatment in its network hospitals. This plan offers comprehensive coverage for both medical and non-medical emergencies.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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