Coronavirus: Is it safe to dine out?

Winter has come, and the coronavirus continues to rage. We are all tired of cooking and restaurants are trying everything in their power to lure us out. Their solution is every which kind of outdoor dining structure. Is it safe to dine out when your town allows it?

In their attempts to protect people from COVID-19, local governments have not made it easy for restaurants. They want to minimize the likelihood of spreading the virus. Many do not allow restaurants to serve food indoors or outdoors. Takeout is the only option.

There’s no question that it’s better to eat at home. But, if you want to go out for a meal, avoid indoor dining. Because it’s cold out, some restaurants are offering outdoor dining designed to keep you safe and warm.

Kaiser Health News reports that some people have the option of having a meal inside an igloo, a tent or a yurt. To stay afloat, some restaurants are trying to make these structures comfortable as well as safe for dining out. Already, more than 100,000 restaurants have closed their doors, many permanently, unable to find a way to attract customers.

One fine dining restaurant in Seattle transformed its parking lot into a yurt village, with a fireplace and tents. You have your own private flapped tent in which to dine. And, it still won’t allow you to dine at the restaurant unless your temperature is normal. The cost: $135 for a four-course meal.

A fine dining restaurant in New York City has also built a yurt village for its guests. The cost: $165 for a prix-fixe menu, excluding the wine, which is another $80 a person for the pairing. Once you book, you are locked in. Upfront payment. No cancellations.