Gwinnett County

Restaurants rethink dining room policies as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

By Berndt Petersen, WSB-TV
By Berndt Petersen, WSB-TV

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Some restaurant owners say the rising number of COVID-19 cases is making them rethink their dining room policies.

They're being extra careful using masks, gloves and disinfectant. Most of the patrons keep a mask on until they actually start eating.

But sometimes it's hard not to worry.

Restaurant owner Oliviero Scotto said almost every conversation these days eventually rolls around to the same subject.

"We talk about it a lot as we work. What is the next move," Scotto said.

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Italy's Pizza and Pasta has been in the same Gwinnett County shopping center for 11 years. But these days, Scott and his customers share the same concerns.

"When you open things back up and people start coming back out, it's a realistic possibility that the cases are going to go back up," customer Jaime Neufel said.

COVID-19 cases have recently risen in the county and some restaurants are rethinking their dining room policy.

When the state allowed the spaces to reopen, most of them did. Patrons like Neufel went back for the good food and the good friends who work at the restaurant.

"They're struggling to make a living too. I think it's important. If you can, try to support small businesses," Neufel said.

Scotto said he is grateful and he wants to do the right thing when it comes to his customers.

"Sometimes I go out with my family. I go to the grocery store. They recognize me because of the restaurant. They thank me for being open. It really touches my heart," Scotto said.

Scotto said he’ll watch the numbers and play it by ear.

Georgia Coalition to Save Lives urges people to wear masks The group has come up with a model mask ordinance that they want the state to adopt.


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