We have good news for you. The government has granted permission for all restaurants to operate again. So you can still have some family time in your favourite restaurant. In efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the government rolled out level 4 restrictions which included the shutting down of restaurants, clubs, etc. Although the government’s stance has softened, there are still strict regulations. For example, restaurants cannot hold over 50 people at a time.
Here are the rules restaurants are expected to follow
Delivery and general rules
These rules apply to all fast-food outlets, courier services, and restaurants with delivery services.
Owners/managers must keep daily records of all employees, delivery men and patrons
Owners must ensure that employees and delivery gents follow health protocols like temperature checks and washing hands with soap and water before and after shifts.
The workplace environment & delivery containers must be disinfected.
All workers must wear protective clothing that is, masks and must sanitise regularly.
Employees and delivery drivers should practise social distancing.
Employees should not be clustered in a working area, there should be clearly defined space
Cooking areas and food pickup areas should be separate.
Sit-down restaurants
All guests’ temperatures must be checked at the door and must fill out a mandatory screening questionnaire. Guests that do not comply must not be allowed to enter.
Restaurants must enforce a no-mask no-entry rule
Guests must wash their hands/sanitise before entering.
Restaurants should enforce social distancing by creating at least 1.5 metres between the seats, between a customer and serving counter and queues.
Restaurants should apply a reservation system so that the restaurants don’t go beyond capacity. Have over 50 people at a time.
Food services
There has been a ban on self-service buffets
Food services must seek non-touch options for menus. If not, the menu must be sanitised every time it is used.
Eating areas must be regularly disinfected and sanitised
Services must enforce social distancing rules. There should be a 1.5 metres distance between tables and seats, queues etc.
UPDATE
Currently, there are no limits to the number of guests a restaurant can have as long as they strictly follow all COVID-19 protocols and other health and safety guidelines.
