The first case of the coronavirus in the US was reported on January 20. After that, a series of unprecedented events led the country into haywire. The most prominent move was implementing shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders to everyone except the essential workers. In general, they conduct an array of operations and services critical for continuing critical infrastructure operations.
Some states have devised guidelines on what sector or industry they deem essential. Nonetheless, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has identified the basic ones:
- Individuals who are working in energy grids, natural gas networks, and petroleum and fuel production
- Individuals who are in early care and education professions
- Individuals working in animal and crop production, manufacturing food products, testing, and inspections, and restaurants and retail sales
- Individuals who are working in grocery stores, hardware stores, and mechanics
- Individuals who are construction workers, electricians, and other professions vital in keeping homes, offices, and other buildings operations
- Individuals working in highways, aviation, maritime, rail, mass transit, pipelines, and postal and shipping
The most impacted with this coronavirus pandemic is the restaurant communities. Although they are considered essential, some are still struggling to stay afloat during these trying times. This dilemma is due to the risks surrounding the dine-in aspect, which is prohibited at first. Last March 16, POTUS urged Americans to avoid dining in restaurants, bars, and food courts.
However, as some states eased restrictions last June, most restaurants are opening their doors to dine-in customers. Unfortunately, dining in may again cease due to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The research states that COVID-19 positive adults “twice as likely” to have recently dined in than those who tested negative.
The study was conducted in ten states and consisted of 314 individuals who tested for coronavirus last July. The participants of the survey all experience symptoms but only 154 of the participants had tested positive.
The two groups reported doing the same activities as going to gyms, stores, and churches in the survey. However, there is one exception: those who tested positive had gone out to eat or drink. The study further explains that said that cases of the coronavirus exposures in restaurants “have been linked to air circulation.”
Nonetheless, the results don’t reflect the US population, and Americans should not dine at restaurants. Moreover, people need to weigh the risks of going out and dining in versus not going, according to Dr. Tide Rice, a co-author of the study.
“They need to be thoughtful about how they’re going to do it.”
Dr. Todd Rice
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