FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS RELATED TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Per PA Governor Wolf, restaurants and bars in Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties are required to temporarily close for “dining in” although they can provide takeout and delivery food orders to customers if they choose. Takeout, delivery and drive-through food service continues to be allowed. Walk-in, order and leave at a facility is acceptable. This is effective 3/16/2020 and will continue for the next 14 days. Additionally, they have the right to close if they choose.

Essential operations may stay open and this would include grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores that sell gas. Again, restaurants and bars are not essential but can continue to provide take-out food.

During this time please follow the advice below and encourage food handlers to do the same:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. *Sanitizing does not eliminate the need for handwashing in foodservice
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas
• Contain if you are sick, you should stay home until you are feeling better.

We recommend complete and thorough cleaning and sanitization throughout the day of any floors, shopping carts, hand baskets, counters, registers, scales, deli counters, shelves, high touch surfaces, etc. Please refer to the links below.

RESOURCES RELATED TO CORONAVIRUS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC)
• COVID-19 Resources for the Food Industry (The Acheson Group)
• Coronavirus: Fresh Produce Industry Resources (United Fresh Produce Association)
• Coronavirus Resources (Food Marketing Institute), includes: Preparedness Checklist; Coronavirus and Pandemic Preparedness for the Food Industry (includes recommendations for supporting consumers, associates, human resources, retail stores, distribution centers/transportation, product suppliers, and interacting with the media).

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO CLOSE MY RESTAURANT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. ARE THERE ANY HEALTH CODES OR REGULATIONS THAT I NEED TO BE AWARE OF WHEN I REOPEN?

A thorough cleaning and sanitizing and discarding out of date food.