CDC Report on Restaurants and COVID-19
Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study on the linkage between COVID-19 and restaurants.
Now, more than ever, it is essential that the public is able to make decisions about activities outside of their home based on complete and accurate information about the spread of COVID-19.
We still do not find evidence of a systemic spread of the coronavirus coming from restaurants who are effectively following the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Reopening Guidance, encouraging guests to wear masks, social distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene. In effect, the lack of a direct correlation should be evidence that, when restaurants demonstrate effective mitigation efforts, the risk is low when dining outside or inside.
The methodology used in the recent CDC article focused on the transmission of COVID-19 and restaurant visits contains numerous flaws, and the conclusions of the study are insufficient to guide consumer behavior. Across myriad industries including gyms, restaurants, and retail, the conclusions reached by the researchers are not supported. Furthermore, the results calling out restaurants specifically are not supported by the data nor the methodology.
It is irresponsible to pin the spread of COVID-19 on a single industry. Restaurants are heavily-regulated and frequently-inspected, and are strictly following local, state, and federal public health rules to maintain a safe and welcoming environment in their businesses.
The IRA continues to urge restaurants to follow all necessary public health guidance and safety measures to keep their guests and team members safe. Click here to download and post the Illinois Restaurant Promise at your establishments.
Click here to read more from the National Restaurant Association.