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7 tech tips for outdoor dining safely in the remaining months of the pandemic

Published by Business Insider on Tue, 06 Apr 2021


<p><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/606354e867187800184ad54d-2400/Outdoor dining.jpg" border="0" alt="Outdoor dining" data-mce-source="halbergman/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Waiter wearing PPE during Covid-19 [andemic serving food to diners wearing masks."></p><p></p><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><p>As your list of vaccinated acquaintances grows, so, too, may the urge to eat with them.</p><p>Of course, outdoor dining has been an option for some during the pandemic, and it still is. But with warm weather around the corner and loosening COVID-19 restrictions, opportunities for al fresco dining might be more frequent and tempting. That's why staying safe if you choose to dine outdoors (or order for pickup) is more important than ever.</p><p>Research <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7010e3.htm's_cid=mm7010e3_w">published</a> by the CDC has shown that opening restaurants to on-premises dining, including outdoor spaces, was linked to increased COVID-19 rates in the months following.&nbsp;Another <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6936a5.htm's_cid=mm6936a5_w">investigation</a> of 11 US healthcare facilities in 2020 found that COVID-19 positive adults were twice as likely as those who tested negative to have eaten at a restaurant in the two weeks before their illness cropped up.&nbsp;</p><p>Still, there are ways to stay safer when choosing outdoor dining.&nbsp;</p><aside class="quick-tip headline-regular"><p><strong>Important:</strong> Continue to follow the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html">CDC guidelines</a> for personal and social activities at all times when dealing with dining scenarios, even as vaccination efforts expand.&nbsp;</p></aside><h2>Outdoor dining safety tips</h2><p>Not dining out is the safest option of all, and sure enough, the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html">recommends</a> avoiding events and gatherings altogether.&nbsp;But they also break down the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/business-employers/bars-restaurants.html">safety</a> of dining scenarios by varying degrees of risk.</p><p>Drive-thru, takeout, and delivery options are considered the <strong style="color: #000000;">lowest</strong> <strong>risk,</strong> while the <strong>highest risk </strong>goes to indoor dining on-premises with seating spaced less than six feet apart. Eating outdoors with tables spaced apart six feet falls somewhere in the middle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>While having food delivered to your home is safer than ordering for pickup or outdoor dining, if you opt to do outdoor dining or curbside pickup from a restaurant, here are some additional tools to help you stay safe.&nbsp;</p><h3>Get COVID exposure notifications when outdoor dining</h3><p><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/60661fa052f11d0019431aaa-1885/Covid exposure notifications.jpg" border="0" alt="Covid exposure notifications" data-mce-source="mphillips007/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Use your smartphone to get COVID exposure notifications while you're outdoor dining."></p><p>Several states have opted into partnerships with Apple and Google's technology for COVID-19 contact tracing. Health authorities that use this application programming interface (API) have made their own Android apps, which you can find in the Google Play Store, if available in your area. Apple users have a more streamlined system thanks to the built-in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-activate-covid-19-exposure-notifications-on-iphone">COVID exposure notification tool for iOS devices</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>If you download the app for your area or enable notifications on your iOS device, you must opt-in to the notification system. Once that's done, your phone and the phones of others who have opted-in to the service communicate through Bluetooth using random, frequently changing IDs. The app continuously checks its list of IDs against the random IDs associated with positive COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;</p><p>When someone with an ID linked to a positive COVID-19 test is in your immediate area, you'll be notified of your exposure with further guidance on how to stay safe. This is useful for knowing if you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 before making plans to eat out, as well as being alerted if you come into contact with someone during an outing.&nbsp;</p><h3>Use social distance apps when waiting in a line for pickup or outdoor dining</h3><p><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/60661f4452f11d0019431aa6-1794/Social Distancing.jpg" border="0" alt="Social Distancing" data-mce-source="NickyLloyd/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="People in protective face masks social distancing while waiting in a line."></p><p>From the beginning of the pandemic, health authorities and experts have maintained that individuals not from the same household should remain six feet apart at all times. But what is six feet, anyway'</p><p>A handful of Android and iOS apps aim to help make that clearer, so while you're waiting in line or even dining at a table, you know whether you're keeping a safe distanceand others are keeping a safe distance from you.&nbsp;One such app for iOS users is <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/social-distance-training/id1503689217">Social Distance Training</a>. Designed for students and teachers, this app can give a clearer picture of your proximity to someone, using a holographic person to create a virtual distance simulation. It won't tell you in real-time how close you are to someone, but it does offer a sense of how far away six feet feels for when you are standing in a restaurant's pickup line.&nbsp;</p><p>Android users may prefer to use Sodar by Google, which relies on WebXR on Chrome and your smartphone's camera. Available only through Chrome on Android devices, this augmented reality tool creates a two-meter radius ring around youusing the recommended distance of at least six feetto help you follow social distancing guidelines. Just go to the <a href="https://sodar.withgoogle.com/">Sodar by Google website</a>, use your phone to scan the QR code, and you're ready to head out.&nbsp;</p><h3>Find parks using Google Maps "Explore" to switch up your outdoor dining location</h3><p>For those inclined to take "outdoor dining" literally, Google Maps is good for so many thingsincluding finding a park to eat in safely once that pickup order is paid for.&nbsp;</p><p>If you're in an unfamiliar place, Google Maps "<a href="https://support.google.com/maps/answer/4610185'co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&amp;hl=en&amp;oco=1">Explore</a>" feature can locate general categories of places nearby like "gas stations," "post offices," and yes, even "parks." You can use it on the desktop site, or Android and iOS apps.&nbsp;</p><p>This feature isn't available everywhere, but it can be a quick way to get out of a crowd for a quiet and socially distanced meal surrounded by nature. Here's how to use it.&nbsp;</p><aside class="breakout-box headline-regular"><h3>How to use Google Maps "Explore" feature on desktop</h3><ol><li><p>Open Google Maps and enter the address of your current restaurant location.</p></li><li><p>On the location page, click the Nearby option.<br><br></p></li><li><p>Type "Parks" in the Search bar.<br><br><br><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/606b3f84a7d803001963ebfc-2105/Google Maps 1.jpg" border="0" alt="Google Maps 1" data-mce-source="Abbey White/Insider" data-mce-caption="Type in parks in the Google Maps search bar on desktop."></p></li><li><p>After the map populates with options, select the park you want directions to.&nbsp;<br><br><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/606b3fc6a7d803001963ebfe-2138/Google Maps 2.jpg" border="0" alt="Google Maps 2" data-mce-source="Abbey White/Insider" data-mce-caption="You can search parks based on distance from you and update options as you move the map."></p></li></ol></aside><aside class="quick-tip headline-regular"><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>Whether you're on the Google Maps desktop site or mobile app,&nbsp; type "Parks Near Me" into the location search bar and find results even faster.&nbsp;</p></aside><aside class="breakout-box headline-regular"><h3>How to use Google Maps "Explore" feature on mobile</h3><ol><li>Open the Google Maps app and double-check you're on the Explore tab.<br><br><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/606b432fa7d803001963ec0f-718/Google Maps 3.jpg" border="0" alt="Google Maps 3" data-mce-source="Abbey White/Insider" data-mce-caption="Your Google Maps app should open on the Explore tab."></li><li>Select "More" from the list of filters beneath the search bar.<br><br><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/606b439f856cd700198a32cc-720/Google Maps 6.jpg" border="0" alt="Google Maps 6" data-mce-source="Abbey White/Insider" data-mce-caption="Swipe all the way to the right on your filters to access the &amp;quotMore&amp;quot option."></li><li>Choose "Parks" from the list of options.<br><br><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/606b443d856cd700198a32d2-720/Google Maps 4.jpg" border="0" alt="Google Maps 4" data-mce-source="Abbey White/Insider" data-mce-caption="Scroll to the Things to do section to find the Parks option."></li><li>Select a park from the list of loaded results.&nbsp;</li></ol></aside><aside class="quick-tip headline-regular"><p><strong>Quick tip:</strong> If you open Google Maps and tap on the hamburger Settings menu, you can select "COVID-19 info" and get a map of the daily positive case average, courtesy of The New York Times, for a better idea of how safe outdoor dining in your area currently is.&nbsp;</p></aside><h3>Use delivery apps and apps like CareFull</h3><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/606b47c2856cd700198a32e6-720/Carefull App 1.jpg" border="0" alt="Carefull App 1" data-mce-source="Abbey White/Insider" data-mce-caption="The Carefull app lets you sort restaurants by filter location and other filters, like outdoor dining availability."></p><p>If you're lucky enough to live in the Greater Boston or NYC area, the newer <a href="https://www.carefullapp.com/">CareFull app</a>available on the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1527229986'_branch_match_id=link-867816184828761477&amp;utm_medium=marketing">Apple App Store</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details'id=com.carefull.app&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US">Google Play Store</a>can help. Designed with COVID-safe eateries (and diners) in mind, CareFull lets you search for local establishments, see what safety precautions they're taking, and read and leave safety reviews for any given restaurant. The user-friendly layout makes it easy to select a restaurant based on safety.</p><p><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/606b4700856cd700198a32e0-720/Carefull App 2.jpg" border="0" alt="Carefull App 2" data-mce-source="Abbey White/Insider" data-mce-caption="The Carefull App offers safety ratings for establishments you may visit."></p><p>If you don't live in either of those two areas, consider ordering pick-up with a restaurant-friendly service like <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-chownow">ChowNow</a>. This platform doesn't receive a commission on orders like other popular delivery apps, meaning more of your money goes directly to the local establishments you're ordering from.</p><p>New Yorkers also have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spread-food-delivery-nyc">Spread</a>, a newer commission-free food delivery service that saves for customers and restaurants. The app sends you texts with exclusive promotions from takeout and delivery restaurants in your neighborhood. You can then enter those promotions on the restaurant's sitecutting out the extra service fees that come with delivery app alternatives.&nbsp;</p><h3>Use QR codes to order while outdoor dining</h3><p><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/606616d9902281001950aa5a-1885/Menu QR Codes.jpg" border="0" alt="Menu QR Codes" data-mce-source="SDI Productions/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Women use a QR code to order lunch with their smart phone while outdoor dining."></p><p>Many might already be familiar with this kind of barcode, which a smartphone can scan for many purposes. Restaurants have put them into action on outdoor tables or in storefront windows for would-be diners to read menusno contact with a physical menu passed through other's hands needed. Some restaurants even allow for ordering right from the menu.&nbsp;</p><p>Newer models of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-scan-barcode-on-android">Android</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-scan-on-iphone-documents-qr-codes">iPhone</a> have QR scanners built into their camera apps. Here's how to use it.&nbsp;</p><aside class="breakout-box headline-regular"><h3>How to scan a QR code</h3><ol><li>Open your phone's camera app.&nbsp;</li><li>Hold up the phone to the QR code, as if taking a picture of it. You may need to tap a QR code button or swipe your camera into QR code mode for this to work.</li><li>Wait until you see the URL attached to the code pop up on the screen.&nbsp;</li><li>Either tap the link or wait for your camera to redirect you to a browser window where you can view the menu.&nbsp;</li></ol></aside><h3>Choose contactless payment options while outdoor dining</h3><p><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/6066180a52f11d0019431a80-1885/Contactless Payment.jpg" border="0" alt="Contactless Payment" data-mce-source="Phynart Studio/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A bar owner uses a contactless payment method to charge customer."></p><p>QR codes are handy, and contactless payment options with them are even handier. Some restaurants allow ordering and payment straight from the menu you've pulled up on your phone.&nbsp;</p><p>That includes <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-does-apple-card-work">credit cards like Apple Card</a> or online payment systems like PayPal or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-use-google-pay-in-stores">Google Pay</a>. Contactless payment minimizes the surfaces touched by a server handling a credit card or cash, keeping both parties safer. It's also a precaution, like several of those listed, that you can verify ahead of time with a quick phone call.&nbsp;</p><h3>Use UV light sanitizers to keep your outdoor dining flatware clean and avoid using plastics&nbsp;</h3><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/6002361f660f6c001834990e-1779/Samsung UV-C Phone Sanitizer.v1.jpg" border="0" alt="Samsung UV C Phone Sanitizer" data-mce-source="Samsung" data-mce-caption="A Samsung UV Sterilizer can sanitize your phone, earbuds, glasses, and more." data-link="https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-launches-uv-sterilizer-with-wireless-charging-to-keep-your-smartphones-and-accessories-clean-and-protected-priced-at-inr-3599"></p><p>If you want to cover all your bases in reducing risk while dining at a restaurant, you can take sanitization to the next level with a UV light sanitizer. It's perfect for small itemscards, keys, sunglasses, even silverwarewhile you eat.&nbsp;</p><aside class="quick-tip headline-regular"><p><strong>Important:</strong> These sanitizing devices emit UV light, which human skin should not be exposed to. Use caution when using.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></aside><p style="text-align: left;">Enclosed, battery-operated <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-do-uv-phone-sanitizers-work">UV light boxes</a> meant for phones are generally the most effective and safe, with UV wands being less so.&nbsp;</p><bi-shortcode id="related-article-module-end-of-article" class="mceNonEditable"><a data-type="5d53040dcd9784200d04c7b2" data-title="How to scan QR codes with your Samsung Galaxy phone in 2 ways" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-scan-qr-code-with-samsung-galaxy" data-vertical="sai" data-image="https://i.insider.com/5d53094dcd97841b70147132">How to scan QR codes with your Samsung Galaxy phone in 2 ways</a><a data-type="5f5a4d13851d5a63d16f3692" data-title="How to order food from Google Maps for pickup or delivery, using a computer or mobile device" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-order-from-google-maps" data-vertical="sai" data-image="https://i.insider.com/5f5b8e24e6ff30001d4e84a6">How to order food from Google Maps for pickup or delivery, using a computer or mobile device</a><a data-type="5cfabdfe11e20534fc1670f4" data-title="How to set up and use Apple Pay on your iPhone to make contactless payments at thousands of stores" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-use-apple-pay" data-vertical="sai" data-image="https://i.insider.com/5ea71aeb0fc639181a6f8be9">How to set up and use Apple Pay on your iPhone to make contactless payments at thousands of stores</a><a data-type="5dfbc5e9855cc2759e0fb356" data-title="How to set up and use Google Pay on your Android phone to make contactless payments at thousands of stores" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-set-up-google-pay" data-vertical="sai" data-image="https://i.insider.com/5dfbcd8b855cc27cda3b8047">How to set up and use Google Pay on your Android phone to make contactless payments at thousands of stores</a></bi-shortcode><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/outdoor-dining-safety-tips#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p>
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