Eating Out During a Pandemic: A Personal Perspective
It is now October 6, 2020, and the question of dining out during a pandemic seems less urgent but no less relevant. Despite the reopening of a significant number of restaurants in my area, accompanied by strict social distancing guidelines, the desire to dine out remains a distant memory for many.
Restaurants and diners alike have been navigating the challenging landscape of the pandemic. In my town, only a few establishments offer home delivery services, and even the drive-through features of quick-service restaurants like McDonald's and KFC are not enough to fully reignite the spirit of dining out. As a result, the most common form of dining out has shifted to takeout, with the occasional exception of drive-through pickups.
Restrictions and Challenges
The sanitization practices of restaurants often leave much to be desired. For instance, employees diligently clean table tops, but the undersides often remain unattended, potentially harboring even more germs. Given these conditions, the idea of dining out, especially in a group setting, seems unappealing.
Personal Experience and Challenges
My personal experience has been largely impacted by the pandemic. The place where I conduct business in town remains shut down, preventing any in-person activities. Navigating the city, even for a solo meal, involves a significant cost in taxi fare, which has deterred me from dining out alone. Consequently, I have not ventured out to eat in a restaurant or at a dining establishment in over a year.
Health and Safety Considerations
My reluctance to dine out extends to health and safety concerns. The local fish and chip shop and Indian takeaway have recently reopened, but I have not yet ventured out to either. An episode of mild COVID-19 prior to the lockdown has left me wary. I suspect I may have contracted the virus from the Indian takeaway, which further deepens my hesitation to dine out.
I live in a retirement apartment community where the only face-to-face interactions have been with my neighbors, to whom none of the residents have been exposed to the virus. I self-isolated for nearly two weeks after the onset of symptoms to minimize any risk of spreading the virus to my vulnerable neighbors. I have not placed orders for takeout food from fast food chains like McDonald's, something I find abhorrent.
Preparing for the Future
Despite my caution, I dream of the day when dine-in restaurants and movie theaters will be fully operational. It has been more than a year since I enjoyed a meal at a restaurant and even longer since I watched a movie. My recovery from the virus has been significant, and I am eager to return to a more normal routine.
I am particularly looking forward to dining at my favorite pub for a sit-down meal, although fish and chips from the local takeaway might come as a compromise if I am too tired to cook. Cooking fresh, wholesome meals has been a cornerstone of my recovery and remains a habit I wish to continue.
As the world gradually emerges from the pandemic, the desire to eat out safely and with companions will likely grow. For now, I remain resolute in my decision to await the appropriate conditions before resuming my dining out habits.