Get It to Go: Metro Health Issues New Recommendations Against Indoor Dining and Gatherings
December 1, 2020 - Bexar County
Take out the risk. Metro Health’s new directive recommends against indoor dining with individuals who are outside of one’s household. Photo: Jade Esteban Estrada.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Dr. Junda Woo, the Bexar County health authority, issued a new health directive Monday recommending against dining or gathering indoors with non-household members to help decrease the spread of Covid-19
- Metro Health says that "respiratory droplets occasionally travel beyond six feet"
In an effort to decrease the spread of Covid-19, Dr. Junda Woo, the Bexar County health authority, issued a new health directive Monday recommending against dining or gathering indoors with individuals who are outside of one’s household.
The first of this two-part recommendation advises against indoor dining with non-household members.
“Respiratory droplets occasionally travel beyond six feet,” a Metro Health spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Correct and consistent masking, which mitigates this risk, is not possible while eating or drinking.”
Health Department experts are encouraging restaurants to support public health by switching from indoor dining to outdoor-only dining and take-out service. In the workplace, employees are urged to take their breaks and meals in separate spaces from others or are encouraged to go outdoors.
The second recommendation is against gathering indoors with people outside of one’s household.
“We are asking people to be more selective about how they dine and how they gather with others until we’re on the other side of this surge,” explained Woo.
Health officials warn that the more people there are in a gathering, the greater the risk. Yelling, singing, or the forceful exhalations that result from vigorous exercise also increase the chances of community spread, which speaks to indoor fitness gatherings.
Physical distancing, proper ventilation and correct, consistent use of a 3-layer mask that covers both the nose and mouth will also decrease the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The World Health Organization provides an explanation of a 3-layer mask in this short video.
“When you have to be around others, try to bring in fresh air by opening a window or increasing ventilation,” the medical director said.
On Monday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff reported 1,117 new Covid-19 cases. Thus far, there have been a total number of 81,174 reported cases of the coronavirus in Bexar County and 1,357 virus-related deaths.
“This is a critical month,” warns Woo. “As the cold weather approaches, and in the wake of Thanksgiving gatherings, we are expecting our case numbers to climb through the end of the year. Bundle up, mask up and stay safe.”
Read the full health directive here.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded