Coronavirus Madison: Guidance On Food, Delivery, Take-Out Safety

MADISON, CT —As the restaurant industry tries to survive the shut-down to redcue the spread of new coronavirus, take-out and delivery are permitted. Madison Director of Health Trent C. Joseph has provided guidance on how restaurant workers and customers can protect themselves.

In an update late Wednesday afternoon, Joseph provided guidance on the town's website.

"The Madison Health Department recommends the following to protect you, your employees and customers. Restaurants and bars that serve food take-out and delivery services only:

• Public access is restricted; members of the general public should not have access to the building.
• All customer self-service operations shall be temporarily suspended.
• Whenever possible, take payment over the phone/electronically.
• Provide take-out orders to the customer via curbside. Be mindful during delivery to a customer vehicle or residence to allow for at least a six-foot distance between individuals.
• Orders can be placed through a window or door with screen (keep six-foot distance).
• Put menu(s) outside or on window; or have menu board outside.
• No line should be formed - have customers wait in car; self-deliver with tray & glove use. Minimize person to person transactions as much as possible.
• Cashier and all food workers should be wearing gloves for protection; cashier should be separate from person handling food to minimize chance of transmission.
• Frequently clean surfaces of take-out & curbside area (window and door).
• Every effort shall be made to ensure customer food orders are maintained at proper temperatures for safety.
• Employees must stay home when sick; if anyone is experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath they should be directed home to contact their healthcare provider so their medical history can be evaluated.

Please keep in mind that this situation is evolving on an hour-by-hour basis and we will endeavor to make timely and appropriate decisions to keep our community safe. We appreciate your cooperation, please be patient as more guidance is forthcoming."