Dining Out During Covid-19

The good thing about these beautiful days and the summer heat is that it looks nothing like Covid-19. Lockdown has been lifted. The festive season is on its way and with it comes the itch to return to our favourite restaurants.

While we would like to save our preferred eateries from total pandemic annihilation, the truth is Covid-19 is still a consideration. One made all the more alarming as our friends in the northern hemisphere battle an aggressive second wave of the virus.

As Namibians slowly return to some semblance of normality, here are some tips to stay safe while keeping your favourite food businesses afloat.

As you gather around a table with friends, the risk of spreading and being infected with Covid-19 increases. When people talk, laugh, sing, sneeze or cough, tiny droplets containing the virus can be transmitted from one person to another, especially if you are not wearing a mask.

Though sitting closely outdoors is still risky, the ventilation and the resultant dispersion of virus-heavy aerosols makes this option safer than dining inside.

If you want to support your favourite restaurant, always opt for outdoor seating, insist that tables are at least two metres apart and keep as much space between you and your friends as possible.

Eating with friends is ideal but eating alone can be just as satisfying. If you are craving for a meal from an excellent establishment, try enjoying your favourite meal on your own.

Bring a book or a podcast or listen to music while you eat, or simply people watch from your perch on a well-ventilated patio. Dining alone is not as depressing as it may seem. You can stay as long or as briefly as you like.

You do not have to offer anyone a bite from your plate and there is no annoying post-meal mathematics about the bill.

If you have your heart set on dining with friends, be sure to time your visits outside the restaurant’s rush hours. Pop in when you know things are usually slow and enjoy the eatery’s empty space.

Restaurants often have down time when you will benefit from faster service and experience less anxiety about Covid-19 riddled crowds

As Covid-19 wreaks havoc on the restaurant business, many eateries are offering a pickup option.

If dining out still feels like too much of a risk, phone ahead to see if they will prepare your meal beforehand and you can simply pass by to pick it up as a takeaway.

Though you don’t get to experience the eatery’s ambience, half the fun is the food and you can take that safely home with you.

Windhoek’s food delivery boom is fast becoming a thing of legend and getting your meals delivered is a great way to support your favourite business from the safety and comfort of your own home.

Phone in and find out whether your preferred restaurants have a delivery option or order your food through delivery services such as Tap-A-Meal or Chommie Bites.

With a little planning, timing and tweaking, Covid-19 doesn’t have to spell the end of your favourite restaurant.

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