Arizona Restaurants Reopen Monday: 5 Things To Know

ACROSS ARIZONA — After weeks of offering only delivery and curbside pickup, Arizona restaurant dining rooms and coffee shops are slated to reopen Monday.

Restaurants are one of several industries included in Gov. Doug Ducey's plan to gradually reopen state businesses amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Salons and barbershops opened Friday.

However, if you think it'll be business as usual at your favorite restaurant, think again.

In order to reopen safely, restaurants will need to adhere to specific guidance released by the governor's office, most of which is designed to encourage social distancing and good sanitation practices. People dining in restaurants are also urged to keep the following things in mind:

1) Social distancing is still in effect.

Customers are encouraged to stay at least 6 feet away from others while dining, and should also consider dining during off-peak hours. Restaurants will help with maintaining distance by reducing the number of customers allowed in the building at one time, and by limiting areas where customers and employees can congregate.

2) Leave the extended family at home.

Ducey's guidelines prohibit restaurants from seating parties larger than 10 people.

3) Your table, chair, salt shaker, ketchup bottle and then some will be sanitized.

Restaurant staff is required to sanitize tables, chairs, condiment bottles and other items on tables between each sitting. Pens, counters and other high-touch areas will also be regularly sanitized. Finally, restaurants have been asked to up the sanitation schedule for bathrooms.

Just in case, customers are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer with them.

4) Delivery and curbside pickup is still available.

Restaurants are encouraged to continue offering delivery and curbside pickup. This is especially useful for any customers who, especially those who are considered high risk, don't yet feel comfortable dining in.

5) If you feel sick, stay home.

Enough said.

It is possible some restaurants will choose to not reopen Monday. Be sure to check in with your restaurant of choice before you leave home to verify hours and whether it's open.

Earlier this week, Ducey offered this advice to Arizonans.

"Get your hair cut, get something to eat and head home," he said. “We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel."

Ducey's full guidance for reopening restaurants and other businesses is available on his website.