March 15, 2020
BATH, NY – Statement From the Steuben Co Health Dept:
Guidance for large gatherings and public spaces during the COVID-19 outbreak was released by the New York State Department of Health effective March 13 at 5:00 PM. Restaurants and bars are included under the scope of this guidance.
Under state guidance until further notice, restaurants and bars must operate at no more than 50% of their maximum occupancy.
“Social distancing and limiting the amount of contact among the public can be a life-saving measure in our community,” stated County Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “In this time of high stress, we understand that people are looking for social outlets, but in the long run we are hopeful that restaurants and bars complying with the guidance will greatly reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.”
Restaurants and bars should continue to clean and disinfect highly used surfaces, employees should continue washing hands regularly, and employees and patrons who are ill should stay home. Patrons with underlying health conditions and those who are elderly should strongly consider limiting their public contact by ordering take out or delivery when possible.
