Eating Out During the COVID-19 Pandemic
It’s not news that Nigeria’s speculated immunity to the COVID-19 pandemic has been disproved in the past few weeks. As the number of reported cases continues to rise, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, it’s important to be high alert.
At the time of writing this, there are 46 reported cases around the country. As such, a number of restaurants like La Taverna and Tarragon have taken drastic measures and shut down operations until further notice. On the other hand, high-end spots like Nok have transitioned to delivery and take-out services.
Additionally, the Lagos State Government has put restrictions in place for public, social and religious gatherings, limiting activities to crowds of no more than 50 people. To this effect, it’s important for us to begin to take precautions to curb the spread of the virus.
Here are some safety tips to consider if you decide to dine out:
1. For starters, there is rice at home
It goes without saying that Nigeria can’t shut down because we’re all broke, and that’s putting it mildly. Our best bet right now is implementing measures like self-isolation for those who just returned from countries with reported COVID-19 cases, and social distancing, for the people who can afford to.
Although we haven’t reached the stage of lockdown yet, it’s important to start practising social distancing, even while socialising. I know food is life but self-preservation and public safety should be everyone’s priority during this period.
Being the complex, problematic humans we are, we like to crave things that are beyond our reach, even in dire circumstances. And so, it might seem tempting to visit all the restaurants on your checklist but now just isn’t the time. They’ll all still be around when all of this ends, until then, there’s rice at home.
2. Maintain good hygiene & keep your hands to yourself
The time for handshakes and cheek kisses at brunch is over, beloved. Wash your hands thoroughly before your meal. Thankfully, the risk of spreading the virus through cooked food is limited, but still, be on the lookout for surfaces and handles.
3. Sharing is not caring
We’re a culture that loves to share; we drink out of each other’s glasses, dip our forks into our partner’s dessert and reach for their fries with our hands.
On the bright side, you now have the perfect excuse to keep that long throat friend away from your food.
4. Try boosting your immune system
Protecting yourself from exposure is definitely important, but consider giving your body an added layer of defence. Up your intake of vitamins and minerals and ensure you stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables will do the trick, but you can add supplements to your regimen if you need to.
While it might be tempting to try out some homemade cocktail recipes, stick to smoothies and milkshakes instead. Alcohol consumption could compromise your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight against infections.
5. Unconventional dating
Because you people like to love and fornicate, now is the time to get creative with dating during this time. Consider an intimate candlelit dinner for two at home, or try a Skype Mukbang date if you’re both self-isolating. If you’re good with your hands, you could cook their favourite meal and have it delivered to them.
6. Take out & delivery options
With all that’s been said about containing the spread of COVID-19, now might be the perfect time for restaurants to innovate via food delivery services, take out options. For instance, Salma’s is offering free delivery and a 10% discount for customers who opt for takeout/delivery. What better to bribe people into staying home than offering them free food?
Everybody wins with this step, customers get to support their favourite spot while limiting your risk of exposure. On that note, be sure to order many, many hours ahead of your mealtime because dispatch riders in Lagos always seem to be “five minutes away”.
7. Staying Safe
The Nigerian Center for Disease Control has some helpful resources on their website. You can also reach out to them directly through the following channels:
Toll-free number - 080097000010
SMS- 08099555577
E-mail - info@ncdc.gov.ng
Twitter - @NCDCgov
Love Akinkunle is a freelance writer and editor with peculiar tastebuds. When she's not telling stories, she's reading a memoir, or fantasising about magical places on the African continent.