The COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit restaurants. Multiple lockdowns and public apprehension of contagion have reduced restaurant footfalls as customers prefer to dine in the safety of their homes. The arrival of several vaccines promises a gradual return to normalcy. In the meantime, however, restaurant owners must go the extra mile to guarantee the safety of their patrons and staff. Here are a few measures you can implement at your restaurant:
Conduct temperature checks at the entrance
A fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Conducting temperature checks before entry can help detect potentially infectious customers. Thermal scanners or temperature guns can identify fever without contact. If you detect high temperature, request your patrons to come back later or choose to order in. However, there is a limitation to temperature checks. Your customers could be asymptomatic. Hence, the next few steps are critical.
Disinfect surfaces and equipment frequently
Restaurant surfaces include tables, chairs, counters and door handles. Ideally, disinfect every 30 minutes or as soon as a customer leaves. It is also important to thoroughly cleanse all kitchen equipment and cutlery, particularly those that are most frequently used.
Provide adequate sanitisers and soap
Ensure that sanitisers are easily accessible throughout the premises. Place them at the entrance, tables, counters and kitchens. If possible, you could also offer each customer disposable sanitiser sachets. Encourage your customers and staff to sanitise their hands frequently. Make sure that your restrooms are always stocked with adequate soap.
Encourage wearing PPE
Ensure that all patrons and staff members wear masks within the restaurant premises. You could also go a step further and provide your staff with face shields and gloves. It offers your staff extra protection and reassures customers that you are going the extra mile to ensure everyone’s safety.
Limit seating capacity
Reduce your restaurant’s seating capacity to allow your customers to practise social distancing more effectively and limit the chances of infection. Staffing can be reduced by encouraging staff members to take paid leave or altering their shifts. Inside the restaurant, keep adequate distance between tables.
Offer contactless orders and payments
In recent times, restaurants have adopted contactless orders that allow customers to place their orders on their smartphones through a QR code. It limits the contact between waiters and customers. Further, cashless payments reduce the risk of viral transmission by eliminating physical contact. Restaurants should strive to make it a default mode for as long as it is necessary. A host of recent developments in FinTech have made contactless payments seamless and hassle-free.
Customers expect restaurants to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Implementing these measures can encourage them back to your restaurant safely.
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