Rules set to welcome back diners

TDT | Manama

The Ministry of Health issued yesterday a series of guidelines that need to be followed by restaurants and coffee shops for their phased re-opening, planned for September. These procedures are in line with national efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19). Establishments found not adhering to these requirements will be closed, the Health Ministry stressed.

The guidelines include maintaining a distance of two meters between tables in all four directions, while allowing only 50 per cent of a table’s capacity to be occupied, with a limit of five customers per table. No more than 20 individuals will be permitted for group reservations on special occasions. Customers are encouraged to pay bills via electronic means.

Staff must reduce direct contact with customers as much as possible and must maintain a one-metre distance with others at all times. They must follow all hygiene procedures, such as washing hands with soap regularly and wearing gloves when handling ready-to-eat food. Disposable menus should be used or regular menus must be sterilised after each use.

All other cleaning and sterilising procedures must be done regularly throughout the establishment, including the toilets. Restaurants and coffee shops are subject to inspection to ensure their full compliance with these requirements. Restaurants and coffee shops are allowed to offer outdoor dining from September 3 before extending to all dining services from September 24, depending on a number of pre-determined indicators.