Consider whether it's worth it right now. Going out in public spaces not only increases your risk of getting the infection, but increases the risk of you spreading it to someone else. Going out when it's not necessary puts both you and the people around you in danger. Do you have any people over 50, smokers or past smokers, or people with weak immune systems in your household? Are you in any at-risk groups? How many members of your community are in at-risk groups, or live with people who are in at-risk groups? Keep the risk of contamination in mind. People who are infected with coronavirus may not show any symptoms for the first 2 weeks. This means that you or another patron could already be contagious without realizing it. Staying home reduces the risk of harm to you and the people around you. Coronavirus can linger in the air for up to 3 hours in some cases. It has been found in the air near toilets in hospitals.[2] X Research source If you think you have symptoms of coronavirus but you can’t get tested, stay self-isolated until you have 3 days without a fever, your condition has improved, and at least 7 days have passed since your first symptoms.[3] X Trustworthy Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Order takeout or delivery to reduce the risk to you and your community. If you feel nervous about sitting in a restaurant around other people, call ahead and order your food to go, then pick it up and bring it home. You can also use a food delivery app to have your meal brought to you, although this will often involve extra fees and a tip for your driver.[4] X Research source Even if you dine at home, you should still wash your hands before and after you eat. It may also be a good idea to wipe down the outside of plastic food containers with a sanitizing cloth before you touch them. Experts believe that getting takeout instead of going in person is a fairly safe way to support local businesses while staying responsible.[5] X Research source [6] X Research source See what experts have to say about safety right now. If you want to make smart decisions, then see what doctors and scientists (not politicians) have to say. Check expert opinions first. Experts are warning against returning to everyday life too quickly. If people start behaving

normally too soon, then there will be a resurgence, and many more people will die.[10] X Research source [11] X Research source Keep informed of recommendations by your local authorities. If your area is currently at low risk for the spread of coronavirus, it's probably fine to continue normal activities like going out to eat, as long as you take a few precautions like washing your hands and avoiding anyone who might be sick. However, if the health department in your area issues a warning to residents to stay home, it's best to eat at home or only use take-out or food delivery services until the threat passes.[12] X Research source If you live in the US, you can find your state's health resources by visiting https://www.phe.gov/emergency/connect/Pages/default.aspx#state. Stick to restaurants with excellent sanitation procedures. It's always a good idea to only eat at restaurants that prioritize proper hand-washing and food-handling procedures. However, during an outbreak of a disease like coronavirus, restaurants should be taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of germs. Make sure any place you dine seems to be ramping up their sanitation, and don't eat anywhere if the

people working there are sick.[13] X Research source For instance, in the US, you might only eat at restaurants that have received an "A" rating from the health department. You should see the staff sanitizing any surfaces that may have been touched, including tabletops, booths, chairs, telephones, and menus. Many restaurants have also switched to single-use products rather than shared containers to ensure customer safety. Avoid restaurants with a self-serve buffet. While coronavirus doesn't seem to be spread through food, if you visit a buffet, you'll be coming into contact with serving utensils that other customers have handled. If they had germs on their hands, you could pick them up as well, and you may transfer them to your face or mouth while you're eating.[14] X Research source Also, avoid ordering family-style meals or shared finger foods to limit the spread of germs within your party. Don't worry about avoiding Asian restaurants. Although the novel coronavirus originated in China, you're no more susceptible to picking up germs at a Chinese restaurant than you are anywhere else. In fact, since the virus can't live on a surface for more than a few hours or days, there's no

increased risk even if the restaurant obtained all of its supplies directly from China. However, most restaurants will have a local supply chain, decreasing the risk even further. [15] X Research source During an outbreak, it's important to avoid falling for the misinformation and fear that can lead to social stigma against certain people. Instead, work to come together as a community.[16] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Consider choosing local businesses to help support your community. Small business owners may be particularly at risk of suffering financial damage because of the coronavirus outbreak. One way that you can help is by choosing local restaurants if you do decide to dine out. Even just a few patrons a day can help keep a business going until things go back to normal.[18] X Research source However, if your favorite restaurant is a national chain, there's no reason you can't eat there! Choose an option that makes you feel comfortable and happy. Don't go out to eat if you're sick or caring for someone who is. If you're not feeling well, you

have a cough, or you're running a fever, you shouldn't go out in public where you might spread germs. Even if you are only mildly ill or you don't think you have COVID-19, it's not worth taking the chance that you might infect someone who could be affected much more severely.[19] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If someone in your home is ill, everyone should stay in for 14 days after exposure to the illness, since you may have come into contact with the germs even if you're not showing any symptoms. Talk to your doctor for more specific quarantine instructions. If you're immuno-compromised due to another condition, it's a good idea to stay home until the threat of COVID-19 has passed, as well.[20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Stay at least 3 ft (1 m) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If you decide to go out to eat, try to pick a table or booth that allows you to have some distance between other diners. Even

if you notice that someone is coughing or sneezing, as long as you stay at least 3 ft (1 m) away from them and don't touch anything that they have touched, you're unlikely to be affected.[21] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source Businesses should be taking the coronavirus outbreak seriously, which includes sending home employees who may be sick. If the person coughing or sneezing is your server or the person preparing your food, consider dining elsewhere. Wash your hands before you and after you eat. Before you eat, use soap and water and wash your hands for 20 seconds, being sure to cleanse the backs and palms of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. Then, wash your hands again after your meal, as well as after you cough or sneeze, go to the toilet, or handle money.[22] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source You can also use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water aren't available or if you touch any surface that might have been contaminated between hand washings.[23] X

Research source Ask for disposable paper plates and utensils for extra safety. Although it's very likely the utensils and dishes at a restaurant have been thoroughly sanitized, ask for disposable dinnerware used for to-go orders for some added peace of mind. They're not great for the environment, but it may be a good trade-off in the short term.[25] X Research source You could also bring your own silverware, like disposable bamboo options. Cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough. When you're dining, show the same courtesy to your fellow patrons that you hope they'll show to you. If you feel the urge to sneeze or cough, hold either your elbow or a tissue over your nose and mouth. If you use a tissue, dispose of it immediately afterward.[26] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source If you have a used tissue, be considerate of your server. Ask them for a small bag where you can place the tissue so they don't have to handle it, for instance.