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Gov. DeWine: Buffets and food stations permitted to reopen inside restaurants, other venues

The announcement came with the Governor announcing the lifting of Ohio's curfew.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced via a revised health order that buffets and food stations within restaurants, bars, and other locations where food is served will be permitted to reopen, beginning at 11:59 p.m. tonight. 

A press release from DeWine's office says that Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud signed the addendum to the order that allowed bars and restaurants to reopen on Thursday. 

RELATED: Ohio lifts COVID-19 curfew effective Thursday; ends last call restrictions

The order states that restaurants, bars, banquet and catering facilities are permitted to reopen self-service stations, so long as they continue to enforce the following rules:

  • Customers must wear masks or facial coverings while in line 
  • Customers unable to wear a mask must be served by an employee
  • Buffets must be located a minimum of six feet away from seating areas
  • Customers must move in one direction and must maintain six feet of distance while in line
  • Directional signs will be required to tell patrons which way to walk
  • Hand sanitizer must be located at the front of the line for the self-serve stations, and must be used by patrons before getting food
  • Utensils must be cleaned and sanitized hourly
  • The Ohio Department of Health recommends the use of disposable napkins for guests
  • Condiments must be individually wrapped or packaged 
  • Commonly touched areas must be cleaned and sanitized often
  • Self-service food stations should be monitored by trained staff
  • Foods must be protected using sneeze guards and self-serve equipment
  • Signage around the venue should clearly indicate directional patterns, hand-sanitizing methods, and food safety to patrons

The Ohio Department of Health has a sample sign for directing patrons to policies and procedures, which can be found here.  

RELATED: Ohio to begin giving COVID-19 vaccine to people born with or having severe conditions that developed from childhood next week

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