We have been working to help provide guidance to restaurants about reducing COVID-19 transmission. I know this is something that industry and local health departments have been asking for. It is attached here.
We also have created a recommendation document for doing field work during this outbreak. As public health professionals, we need to be prepared to respond to this outbreak while also reducing our risk of exposure.
Finally, we have been working with DPI on some documents for food service distribution while schools are out. Several school districts have implemented delivery routes using school buses, which presents a unique food safety challenge. We have created documents that can be distributed to school sites, including TPHC for delivery meals, guidance for boxed lunches, and guidance for delivery meals. Additionally, there are community organizations setting up to provide free food in these situations. Although it may be exempt if it is not food for pay, we want to be able to provide food safety guidance and recommendations to these groups where requested or needed. Attached is the basic food safety infosheet we have used in the past for volunteers or temporary events that can be distributed. As resources are available, please follow-up with the school system and community groups providing meal service.
Thank you for the work you are doing to protect NC during this outbreak. We are here to assist, please let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Veronica Bryant, REHS
Emergency Preparedness and Outbreak Coordinator
Division of Public Health, Environmental Health Section
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
919-218-6943 mobile
5605 Six Forks Road
1632 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1632
COVID 19 restaurant memo final.pdf