Temperature Screening in Restaurants.

As more restaurants and bars begin to open for on-site dining, new CDC recommendations focus on source control. They also continue to emphasize cleaning and disinfection procedures. Guidelines include staying home when you are sick or when you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Employees might screen themselves for high temperatures or other symptoms as an added measure, along with wearing face coverings and washing their hands frequently. Employers could also conduct screenings daily at work to help with this process. Restaurants should disinfect high-touch areas often and increase regular cleanings. It is recommended for businesses to use less shared items like condiments and menus, and instead use disposable materials when possible. Staff should limit and space out dining tables to allow for distancing.

New York City recently announced that it will require indoor dining restaurants to check customer’s temperature at the door. Many businesses are now having to consider this precaution out of necessity. New CDC guidelines also state that employees can self-screen for elevated temperature as an extra measure. Alternatively, employers may offer to screen employees daily. Temperature screening is a source control method. Detecting and isolating people with possible symptoms can help slow the spread of COVID-19 to others. It should be used in combination with other precautions. Temperature screening is done with handheld thermometers, temperature guns, or infrared screening systems. The CDC also has guidelines for protecting the staff members who conduct screenings. These recommend distancing and standing behind barriers when possible. ICI’s infrared screening solutions are particularly useful in these areas. They allow for an operator to stand far away from the person they are screening for additional safety.