The ‘unwritten contract’ of eating out

 

From Concerned Nationalist

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared monkeypox a public health emergency. This declaration has caused public fatigue and ignited worries about a potential pandemic akin to Covid-19.

Covid-19 resulted in many lockdowns and measures that have and are going to change our lives forever.

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Through Covid-19, we have all learned to be a little more cautious and to treat illness a little more seriously. If an employee is feeling unwell, they should not come to the office. If a person is tested positive, they should self-quarantine and seek medical help.

When it comes to buying food – whether to eat in or take away – there is also an unwritten contract between the establishment and the customer. Yet, in this instance, it seems many have forgotten what we experienced over the last two-and-a-half years.

With the emergence of another potentially infectious disease, some might need reminding about the “unwritten contract”.

Customer’s or recipient’s point of view

As a customer, I expect that:

• Your workers are all vaccinated;
• You have affirmed that your workers are well before coming in for work;
• Your workers are to prepare, serve and take orders following all SOPs, including wearing face masks and practising hand hygiene, especially before and after serving customers;
• All utensils, including plates, forks, spoons, glasses and serving spatulas, are washed properly, especially after use;
• The restaurant is hygienic and properly ventilated, including a sitting area that is distanced from the next table, and the food prepared is covered until someone wants to eat; and
• You clean the tables, chairs and counters after they have been used by other customers, especially surface areas where droplets might have been left.

Restaurant’s or provider’s point of view

As owner, I expect customers to:

• Wear face masks, especially when heading to the buffet area, with the exception, of course, when one is eating;
• Do not touch plates, glasses or utensils that you are not using. This will ruin all efforts to ensure that they are clean for the next person;
• Do not come in if you are unwell. You are welcome to pack your food and leave, but do not dine in as you will put our staff and other customers at risk;
• Practise good hygiene, and cover your mouth and face if you are about to sneeze or cough. We have other people in the same area who might feel uncomfortable;
• Never argue with our employees when they ask you to observe the SOPs. Everyone is following regulations whether they like it or not; and
• Do not smoke. As much as you would like to light up, there are at least another five people around you whose dinner outing you have spoiled.

Let us all understand and be at our best behaviour when going to eateries. Practise all SOPs. Everyone should pull their weight to ensure we are safe from all infectious diseases. - FMT

Concerned Nationalist (name provided) writer is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.