Open for Business? White House Guidelines for Restaurant Reopenings

Open for Business? White House Guidelines for Restaurant Reopenings

In response to the weeks-long social distancing and stay-at-home measures that have shocked the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House laid out its new plan for “Opening Up America Again” on April 16, 2020. While no specific timeline was given, the move has at least sparked some optimism in the minds of those who feel this “new normal” will never end. Countless industries and businesses big and small have been impacted by the quarantine orders, as regular customers opt to avoid crowds altogether. And a lack of customers means a lack of revenue, naturally. Which is why these new guidelines released are critically important for restaurant owners to keep tabs on. The restaurant industry—and especially smaller independent dining establishments—will be hit to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, according to some estimates. So, what does Opening Up America Again look like for the restaurant industry? Read on.

The guidelines within the plan laid out by President Trump and his coronavirus task force come at the restaurant industry with a phased approach. For states to institute phase one of the plan and begin reopening restaurants, they’ll need to meet a set of criteria first. According to whitehouse.gov, states must:

• Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) reported within a 14-day period AND
• Downward trajectory of covid-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period

• Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period OR
• Downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (flat or increasing volume of tests)

• Treat all patients without crisis care AND
• Robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing

In phase one, restaurants will open first, however they’ll be required to follow strict social-distancing guidelines in their seating areas. And bars must remain closed. According to restaurantbusinessonline.com, these strict guidelines mean that parties must be spaced 6-feet apart from each other, with a capacity cap at 10 people or less.

In phase two of the plan, which can be applied to states that show no signs of a resurgence and meet the criteria laid out for phase one again, restaurants can begin operating under “moderate physical distancing protocols.” The capacity cap is set to 50. And bars, at this point, can reopen as well—but they must limit the standing-room occupancy they have available.

For phase three, the same criteria as required in phase two must be met a third time. Restaurants will be welcome to function with limited social-distancing guidelines, and bars can operate with increased standing-room occupancy.

Despite what we may be feeling right now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel—and whether it happens tomorrow, next month, 6 months from now or longer, we will return to normal. Until then, stay safe. Stay healthy.