The Washington State governor’s office has confirmed an update to our Phase 2 Guidelines to include the following interpretive guidance regarding consumer self-service.
Self-service Salad Bars and Buffets
Food still has not been shown to be a transmission vehicle for SARS-CoV-2. We believe food establishments can safely re-open self-service salad bars and buffets if they use the following to mitigate risk:
- Proper physical distancing of customers
- Options to ensure this include signs and floor markings
- Increased cleaning and disinfection of associated touchpoints
- This would be hourly in Phase 2
- Staff monitor self-service salad bars and buffets to ensure these requirements are being followed
- Self-serve bars are completely covered under a permanent barrier, such as a sneeze guard.
- Availability of antimicrobial hand gel before and after using the bar
Other Types of Self-service
- Fountain drink stations
- Can be safely operated with physical distancing and hourly disinfection of touchpoints during Phase 2
- Cups, lids, and straws must be kept behind counters and provided by food employees
- Bulk, unpackaged foods such as donuts, dry rice, dry beans
- Can be self-scooped with a utensil that is changed or disinfected after use or every four hours with hand gel available for customer use
