Coronavirus: New Cafe Etiquette

WE all want to ensure we can access our favourite cakes, steaks and curries during the pandemic and local food businesses are introducing new measures to keep our local eateries operating safely.

Annie Baker, from Asser House Cafe, said while a pandemic is quite stressful, locals have been very supportive of their business and are happily following new procedures.

“We’ve got a sign at our counter asking people to please wash their hands before they sit down to eat and ensured the bathroom has antibacterial hand wash, disposable paper towel and clear instructions on thorough hand washing,” said Ms Baker.

“Everyone has been great and are going and washing their hands first,” she said.

“Some people bring their own hand sanitiser too, when they have it, but soap and water is the best,” she said.

This government has introduced new rules for venues and the food service industry are recommending other changes.

Food service businesses are invited to a meeting a the Scone RSL on Sunday. Read more…

“On Wednesday the government introduced new rules to say there is a limit to indoor gatherings of 100 people, which thankfully we come under as would many others in a small country town,” said Annie.

“A lot of food service places have decided to go cashless just to stop any kind of germs coming from the cash,” she said.

“For some of our older customers rely on cash so we are using gloves when handling the cash, then throwing the gloves away and immediately washing our hands,” she said.

“The more people who can use a card the better.

“We’ve been getting more catering orders, from businesses which have decided to stay in and we can take the catering to them to help reduce the risk.

“Our food supply chains are completely fine, so we’ll be able to keep supplying food to our customers,” she said.

“It is quite stressful and my main concern is keeping my staff employed, we know once we are back on track once all this is finished we will need our staff and we’re like a family, so we want to take care of each other,” said Annie Baker.

Top Tips:

• DO NOT go into local food venues if you have any symptoms of coronavirus, cold or flu, phone them to make alternative arrangements.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Use a card rather than cash where possible.
• Think about catering options for larger groups.
• Please understand local venues need to implement new government rules stipulating how many people can be in an indoor room.