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Restaurants given new restrictions to reduce spread of the novel coronavirus

Original post made on Mar 14, 2020

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department notified restaurants that its new legal orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus must be enforced through April 4.

Read the full story here Web Link posted Saturday, March 14, 2020, 11:29 AM

Comments (21)

Posted by Winston C.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 14, 2020 at 12:03 pm

You mean they weren't washing their hands previously under any of the stated criteria?

Thanks, but I'll stay home for the duration.


Posted by resident
a resident of Downtown North
on Mar 14, 2020 at 12:20 pm

I think standardized and enforced health regulations like this will encourage customers to keep dining at restaurants. We have been reluctant because we did not know what health conditions to expect at local restaurants.


Posted by Hunkering Down
a resident of Professorville
on Mar 14, 2020 at 12:42 pm

That’s good news — it gives us a bit of peace of mind when dining out. [Portion removed.]


Posted by Going out
a resident of Community Center
on Mar 14, 2020 at 1:28 pm

[Portion removed.]


Posted by MicrobeManager
a resident of Adobe-Meadow
on Mar 14, 2020 at 1:29 pm

Door Dash are poorly paid gig workers and often have several deliveries sitting in their cars on their way to many locations. They most likely have to supply their own hand sanitizers and have cars in various stages of cleanliness They count on tips too. Someone please tell me how door dash is any safer then dining in or out? Better to go w Schwann?


Posted by Trump Viral Failures
a resident of Downtown North
on Mar 14, 2020 at 1:44 pm

[Portion removed.]


Posted by LA Resident
a resident of Los Altos
on Mar 14, 2020 at 5:43 pm

Id like to see the food prep workers wearing a mask and gloves. I'd eat there if I saw that. But so far I have not.


Posted by Online Name
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Mar 14, 2020 at 6:42 pm

Some information about how to help the poor restaurants stay afloat by ordering take-out, buying gift certificates etc. would be helpful. More on which restaurants are staying open would also be useful.

People elsewhere are buying gift certificates from their local favorites to help them through the rough spots. We should give that some thought.


Posted by Dagwood
a resident of Menlo Park
on Mar 14, 2020 at 7:46 pm

With our sky-high rents and businesses suffering acute distress it behooves landlords to discount rents immediately. Many can afford it. Share the burden. We all are better for doing what we can for those in need.


Posted by Franco Campilongo OWNER of ITALICO and TERUN
a resident of Crescent Park
on Mar 14, 2020 at 8:17 pm

Would love to know how the Santa Clara Public heath officially notified Restaurants about those new restrictions. At Italico and Terun we HAVE NEVER RECEIVED an official communication. Pretty sure they have my cell and email. peace and love


Posted by Marc
a resident of Midtown
on Mar 14, 2020 at 9:21 pm

Why is the assumption that the restaurant staff will be the source of infection? It's as likely that a customer is infected and hasn't washed their hands, coughs and spreads the viral particles to the staff and other customers.

Why arn't we checking the temperature of customers as they enter the restaurant, store, etc.?


Posted by Resident
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2020 at 10:25 pm

Why single out restaurants for unhygienic practices?

I have been in grocery stores where the carts are not cleaned, shelves and refrigerators are not clean (milk in Midtown Safeway) and customers handle all the green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. before purchase.

Even packaged goods are well handled by staff and customers!

If we are going to fault the food chain, we have to look at everything.


Posted by resident
a resident of Downtown North
on Mar 15, 2020 at 1:18 pm

News reports say that Ohio just closed all public bars and dine-in restaurants. Take-out food is still OK. Is California going to do this? I know that the US Congress has approved a financial aid package for small businesses that are affected by COVID-19, but Donald Trump has not signed this into law yet.

Ohio news report: Web Link


Posted by charles reilly
a resident of another community
on Mar 15, 2020 at 1:54 pm

Why would ANYBODY demand that we close restaurants? These are, in general, small businesses, often owned by families who are trying to make a living. If you're afraid of getting the flu; please stay home. Don't inconvenience the rest of us with silly, panic-driven, regulations ....


Posted by Common Sense Measures
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 15, 2020 at 1:59 pm

Salad bars are now being replaced by pre-packaged offerings.

Food service employees should be wearing rubber gloves & facemasks though this protective measure does distract from the ideal dining experience.

If unwilling to do so, expect a downturn in business.


Posted by resident
a resident of Downtown North
on Mar 15, 2020 at 2:06 pm

Illinois just closed all bars and restaurants, except for take-out food. TV News report: Web Link


Posted by chris
a resident of University South
on Mar 15, 2020 at 2:36 pm

Ohio closed restaurants and bars as well.

Based on large crowds last night and the upcoming St Patrick's Day on Tuesday.


Posted by resident
a resident of Downtown North
on Mar 15, 2020 at 3:04 pm

California closes all bars, wineries, and brew pubs. Restaurant capacity is reduced by 50% to allow for more space between tables. CBS News report: Web Link


Posted by member
a resident of Midtown
on Mar 19, 2020 at 4:12 pm

Is there any California street French restaurant open?


Posted by Anonymous
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 19, 2020 at 4:43 pm

Delivery of restaurant food in Chicago is working great so far - they’re used to doing deliveries. Very grateful. Plus Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (who lives right nearby in the neighborhood from where I’m writing) is appearing to be a strong, capable leader.


Posted by Grocery Shopper
a resident of Palo Verde
on Mar 23, 2020 at 11:43 am

Which restaurants accept Contactless Payment?


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