CHARLOTTE — North Carolina restauranteurs are waiting to find out what new safety guidelines will look like as their businesses reopen in Phase 2 of the governor’s plan in response to COVID-19.
"The old normal is not going to be the new normal for the time being,” said Will Bigham.
He owns the Pizza Peel in Matthews and several Charlotte-area restaurants, including the Improper Pig and the Flying Biscuit Café.
[SC restaurants reopen Monday while following virus safety guidelines]
"How far apart will tables have to be,” Bigham said. “Will servers have to wear masks?”
Mecklenburg County officials said Tuesday, “Mecklenburg County will follow the direction offered by the state in working with local restaurants and bars to safely reopen to the public."
They added, "Restaurant inspections are standardized to address food safety and employee health,” and “guidance on social distancing, proper disinfecting and general sanitation will also be provided during inspections."
In South Carolina, health officials said they were using cellphones and computers to conduct virtual inspections and ensure restaurants comply with old and new safety guidelines.
A letter to restaurants said the virtual inspections help promote social distancing while allowing health officials, “to talk about your current operational challenges and address any new processes you may be using under the current service restrictions."
Some customers said the virtual inspections are concerning.
“That scares me more than COVID-19 does,” said Donnie Icenhour. “I think you can hide so much more without the person being there doing the inspection.”
Mecklenburg County officials said they do not plan to do virtual inspections. Inspectors plan to continue to use PPE and social distancing while continuing to go inside restaurants.
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