FULTON, Md. — The Restaurant Association of Maryland said its ready for restaurants and caterers to safely reopen for dine-in customers immediately.
It created the “Restaurants Are Ready” plan with a set of guidelines and recommendations that address the safety of employees and the public.
So, what will a dine-in restaurant experience look like now? WMAR-2 News got to see the Hudson Coastal in Fulton.
"You're going to be seeing things such as distancing between tables, barriers between tables. Employees are going to require to do health screenings before they're allowed to work. Face coverings, for employees that interact with customers all of these things are just making the extra to ensure that our customers are safe and that our employees are safe as well."
Not every restaurant has the capability to offer outdoor seating. Residents are encouraged to still support those restaurants through curbside, takeout and delivery.
Maryland’s restaurant and food service industry has lost nearly $1.5 billion in sales.
Due to the pandemic, 150,000 restaurant employees have been laid off or furloughed and 45% of restaurants in Maryland are closed.
Officials said, 25% of restaurants are expected to close permanently.
