Updated June 30, 2020

Phase 1

Governor Brown’s latest executive order outlines a plan to re-open the economy in phases. It encourages businesses to reopen carefully, and to continue healthy practices to stay safe

Multnomah County is in Phase 1 of reopening. Oregon’s gradual reopening does not mean the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Until further notice restaurants and bars in Multnomah County must: 

  • Continue physical distancing measures for employees and customers
  • Require employees to wear face coverings unless an accommodation for people with disabilities or other exemption applies
  • Ensure tables are spaced at least six (6) feet apart so that at least six (6) feet between parties is maintained, including when customers approach or leave tables. 
  • Limit parties to 10 people or fewer. 

Face Coverings

As of July 1, face coverings are required in indoor public spaces throughout the State of Oregon. This requirement does not apply to children under 12 and people with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering. Face coverings are not required in restaurants while eating or drinking. 

Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance (link is external)

We are monitoring the situation, and will update our guidance as more information becomes available.

 

Food Preparation

Are there any additional requirements I need to follow to prepare for delivery?

No. Just follow general food safety practices when preparing food. Keep cars clean, limit interactions with customers and remind them to wash their hands before eating. The goal should be “contact-less delivery” to protect employees and customers.

Should I wear a mask when preparing food?

The Oregon Health Authority’s Mask and Face Covering Guidance for Business, Transit, and the Public (PDF) (link is external) says that businesses, including restaurants, must require employees to wear a face covering, unless an accommodation for people with disabilities or other exemption applies. Face coverings are NOT a replacement for physical distancing, food safety and proper preventive hygiene practices. Face coverings are one more action we can take to protect one another.

Should food services be following strict, no bare-hand contact of prepared ready-to-eat foods?

Yes, food services should limit as much bare-hand contact as possible with ready-to-eat foods.

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Takeout & Delivery

Only people who are in good health should prepare and deliver food. All food service and delivery staff must wash their hands often with warm water and soap.

Upon delivery, employees should set food packages on the customer’s doorstep and step back 6 feet after knocking. We also recommend:

  • Restaurants and diners consider using a contactless business model that requires limited or no interaction between the restaurant, delivery service, and the customer. 

  • Once a customer has their food, they should remember to wash their hands before eating.

  • Anyone concerned about the packaging might consider transferring their food to a plate or bowl, disposing of the delivery container and then washing their hands.

  • The Oregon Health Authority’s Mask and Face Covering Guidance for Business, Transit, and the Public (PDF) (link is external) says that businesses, including restaurants, must require employees to wear a face covering, unless an accommodation for people with disabilities or other exemption applies. Face coverings are NOT a replacement for physical distancing, food safety and proper preventive hygiene practices. Face coverings are one more action we can take to protect one another.

What are acceptable takeout and grab-and-go methods?

  • You can take customer orders by phone or in-person. Follow physical distancing guidelines by keeping 6 feet apart for in-person orders.
  • Customers may stand in line as long as staff can monitor the line to maintain 6-foot physical distancing. It’s also recommended you place signs.
  • All beverages must be filled by employees. No self-service beverages or customer refills.
  • Give single-use items like napkins and condiments directly to the customer instead of putting them in a self-service area.

Can a customer pay with cash?

Yes.

Should the facility only have individually wrapped straws available for customers?

Limiting all interactions from customers with all single-service items should be encouraged. This could be through wrapped products or by having employees dispense them instead of putting single-service items and utensils out for customers.

Can Styrofoam containers be used for takeout during the emergency?

Continue to follow local ordinances. The City of Portland’s polystyrene foam container ban is still in effect.

 

If an employee at a restaurant is diagnosed with COVID-19, does the restaurant have to completely shut down (and all employees with close contact self-isolate for 2 weeks)?

No. Please contact your inspector or our office for further advice (foodsafety@multco.us (link sends e-mail) or 503-988-3400). 

If a food service employee has a member of their household with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19,  do they have to report this to the manager or supervisor?

Yes. Food service employees who live with a family or other household member who has tested positive for COVID-19 are legally mandated by Oregon law (OAR 333-019-1000 and OAR 333-150) to report this information to their manager or supervisor. In addition, they must: 

If a food service employee has tested positive for COVID-19 do employers have to report this information? 

Yes. If a food service employee tests positive for COVID-19 employers are legally mandated by Oregon law (OAR 333-019-1000 and OAR 333-150) to: 

For estate regulation related to alcohol sale no minors are allowed in facilities after 8:00pm

SOURCE: https://multco.us/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/restaurants-and-food-service-covid-19-guidance