Restaurants locally have done a good job this past summer with outdoor eating facilities but restaurants in the U.S. are reeling from city and statewide coronavirus initiatives and now with cooler weather we look to indoor dining.

Our restaurants already struggling to stay open have the weather changing which will limit or stop outdoor dining options.

In a newly published study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) they are saying that adults who tested positive for COVID-19 were about twice as likely to have eaten at a restaurant in the two weeks prior to becoming ill.

The CDC concluded that dining out in restaurants could be a major risk factor for the coronavirus.

In Sullivan County there have been only a few restaurants that have had to be closed due to the COVID-19.

Some folks we have talked to about eating in restaurants feel it's more of a government scare tactic while others say additional safeguards like booth-table dividers should be installed.

Restaurant owners we have talked to say patrons all must come into their facilities wearing masks and all restaurant employees must at all times wear masks and all precautions are taken for separation of tables.

Currently, indoor dining is largely limited to 50% capacity and some restaurants may even consider installation of various type of dividers. Some restaurants are exploring the separating of patrons with plexiglass dividers.

The CDC suggests to lower the risks, restaurants should offer single-serving condiments, use touchless payments if possible, use disposable dishes and utensils and space tables at least 6 feet apart.

Wishing all our restaurants the best as the industry tries to survive in the midst of this pandemic.