Update: Where Restrictions are being Lifted for Food Services
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Published 30 April 2020
Food businesses have been effectively put on pause as worldwide lockdowns have shuttered food premises in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. After weeks of closures, food businesses might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as restrictions are being lifted in some areas around the world.
April 28, 2020 — While the COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide, some countries are beginning to see a reduction in cases and deaths as a result of the virus. This has prompted some countries to begin easing up on restrictions that have been put in place since the pandemic was declared. This is particularly hopeful for food businesses, who have seen significant losses and struggles since government-mandated closures were put in place and the pubic was urged to stay home.
The lifting of lockdown restrictions will vary week to week and country to country. The following is a list of areas that are lifting restrictions on food businesses for the week of April 27:
The United States
Alaska
Governor Mike Dunleavy has announced the beginning of the first phase of his “Reopen Alaska Responsibly” plan. As of April 27, restaurants are allowed to reopen but must maintain a maximum of 25% capacity and only allow customers with reservations.
Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp announced that restaurants and social pubs will be included in businesses that will be allowed to reopen following a loosening of restrictions. As of April 27, restaurants have begun to reopen but must follow 39 requirements if they do so; these requirements include no more than 10 customers per 500 square feet.
Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds announced that restaurants would be included in the businesses allowed to reopen across the state. Restaurants will be permitted to open in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties, and can conduct in-person dining. Restaurants must keep tables 6 feet apart and cannot have more than 6 people at a table.
Oklahoma
Governor Kevin Stitt announced that as of Friday, May 1, restaurants would be allowed to reopen and conduct in-restaurant dining statewide as long as phase 1 restrictions were followed. Phase 1 restrictions include spacing tables 6-8 feet apart and no more than 10 people at a table.
Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee announced that as of April 27, restaurants could begin to reopen in 89 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Restaurants that reopen need to follow specific restrictions, which include maintaining a limit of 50% capacity.
Texas
Governor Greg Abbott announced that phase 1 of the state reopening begins on Friday, May 1. This reopening includes restaurants and malls but must maintain a 25% occupancy.
New Zealand
As of Monday, April 27 at 11:59 pm, New Zealand has officially lifted its Level 4 lockdown and has moved the country into Level 3 of lockdown. Level 3 allows restaurants to open up on a small scale, but they still cannot conduct dine-in service. However, food businesses are now permitted to conduct contactless deliveries and pick-up orders.