The answer is simple:
1) People take off their masks to eat and drink and it is this activity that leads to a higher
spreadable virus infectivity potential.
2) Alcohol decreases inhibitions and potential for louder talking/shouting across the tables
and therefore more spread. It is a fact that we now know that aerosolized droplets from
just speaking or talking can travel up to 3-9 feet.
3) Physical barriers on tables/between patrons do not stop the spread of the virus when
the mask is off but often simply act like a fly swatter whereby the virus can hit this wall
and be pushed off in different directions depending on the make-up of the barrier-aka-
plexiglass/wood/plastic etc.
4) Barriers are hard to clean and though maybe look clean to the naked eye, are not
“sterile” for the next patron despite the best attempt to clean them between sittings
(and through no fault of the staff member-viruses can be very resistant to being
decimated).
5) Most importantly-people are congregating in these establishments in tight spaces-even
though upholding the 6 feet of social distancing-for an extended period of time (up to
90 minutes in some locations) situated next to other patrons who are not usually in the
same “personal bubble space” as themselves or their family members at home vs the
stream of people with masks walking with usually limited respiratory contact through
the aisles of the big box stores or grocery stores for example.
My Public Health department colleagues have been effusive in their praise to all businesses
who have heard this education message and have taken to heart what it implies and have made
the necessary changes to workflow, room arrangements and staff teachings with often great
personal financial strain to their bottom line and for that again, we all thank you for doing your
part.
| too have heard the wonderful public comments in our various recent meetings and have read
the 4 submitted letters to this meeting tonight from our outstanding business owners who have
walked the talk and done what they can to minimize the spread.
Again, | don’t disagree with your sentiments around the potential for true economic hardships
on what this could do to your business but despite it all, the statistics we have gathered around
what is truly happening in our community as supported by the documents previously submitted
to this meeting and for your review tonight show a much more ominous reality.
