CDC’s COVID guidelines

Regarding Sue Lani Madsen (“Safety first or safety third? Depends on the risk,” Dec. 3), the U.S. Center for Disease Control says: “Check the restaurant’s [or bar’s] COVID-19 prevention practices before you go. Check the restaurant’s website and social media to see if they have updated their information to address any COVID-19 safety guidelines. Before you go to the restaurant, call and ask if all staff are wearing masks while at work. … Wear masks when less than 6 feet apart from other people or indoors.

“Wear masks when less than 6 feet apart from other people or indoors…like wearing a mask as much as possible when not eating and maintaining a proper social distance if you are dining with others who don’t live with you. Maintain a social distance of 6 feet or more in any entryway, hallway, or waiting area. When possible, sit outside at tables spaced at least 6 feet apart from other people. When possible, choose food and drink options that are not self-serve to limit the use of shared serving utensils, handles, buttons, or touchscreens.

“Clean hands for least 20 seconds when entering and exiting the restaurant. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Before using the restroom, make sure there is enough soap and a way to dry your hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer), or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.”

Lucetta Tuttle

Spokane