Omicron and Wilmington restaurants: What to know about the latest COVID spike when dining out

The skyrocketing number of new COVID-19 cases in the greater Wilmington area, and high test positivity rate of 35 percent at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center, mean the omicron variant is throwing locals another pandemic curve.

"We are in the midst of a COVID blizzard," said Paul Kamitsuka, infectious diseases specialist for Wilmington Health.

He believes most people don't fully understand how contagious this variant is, but there are clues.

Since late December, several restaurants across New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties began announcing they were closing for a few days as a result of COVID exposure, or an employee testing positive.

While there aren't any state guidelines for masks or proof-of-vaccine requirements for businesses, some bars and restaurants have maintained at least some safety measures. But the lack of consistency across the industry can make it more difficult to know what to do when you're dining out. We reached out to local public health experts for their suggestions and recommendations.

Background: Downtown Wilmington bar to require proof of vaccination starting on New Year's Eve

More: Omicron variant overwhelms testing in Wilmington, exacerbates holiday spike in cases

Is it safe to eat at restaurants right now?

Kamitsuka said that he wants to support local restaurants, but believes the best way to do that right now is ordering take-out.

"Any indoor setting could be a problem," he said. "This variant is so contagious, it's best to assume everyone has it."

If you are in an indoor setting with others, you should wear a mask. The current recommendation is N95 or KN95 masks, he said. And, well, you can't eat and drink with a mask on.

If you do decide to go to a bar or restaurant, David Howard, health director for New Hanover County, said to be as safe as possible.

"For instance, before you go, call ahead and ask if staff are wearing masks. While masks aren’t required at this time, it is still an effective precaution that restaurants can take to keep staff and customers safer," he said. "You can also ask if tables are spaced out from others. Six feet is the preferred distance."

Is it safe for parents with unvaccinated children to dine at restaurants?

Both Kamitsuka and Howard said evidence strongly supports the efficacy and safety of vaccines in preventing serious illness. But because young children aren't able to get the vaccine, they are at a higher risk.

"We are seeing higher pediatric hospitalization rates across the country," Kamitsuka said.

"We know not all children can be vaccinated due to their age or health conditions, so we encourage families to be extra vigilant and wear masks when in public," Howard said. "As with any virus, families are encouraged to practice good hygiene and do all they can to protect themselves."

Also consider that dining in large groups is not as safe as dining with those who are in your immediate household, or dining with those you know and see often.

"Ideally all those getting together for dining and entertainment are all vaccinated," he said.

Is outdoor dining safer than indoor dining?

"An outdoor setting is better," Kamitsuka said. "Especially if tables are spaced apart."

Since the pandemic began, many Wilmington area restaurants have added or expanded their outdoor dining areas.

You can't eat wearing a mask, but are they still helpful?

"Yes. Face masks act as a barrier to protect people from inhaling respiratory droplets that could contain the virus," Howard said. "They also help keep a person’s germs to themselves. Masks, combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus."

What other measures can restaurants implement?

Howard said since 2020, the environmental health team has been working with businesses to reinforce and encourage safety measures like Plexiglass barriers, frequent sanitizing and rearranging layouts so workers and diners are less likely to gather in clusters.

They don't always stop the virus, but they can help, he said. Plexiglass, for example, is an extra layer of protection between staff and a customer.

Can restaurants require masks or proof of vaccination?

"This is not a county-wide or state-wide requirement, but can be a decision made by an individual business," Howard said.

What's the ideal dining scenario?

"If everyone is vaccinated and boosted," Kamitsuka said. "Ideally, restaurants would have test kits, so you would know right away if you were negative. And then everyone can relax and have a good time."

While that's not likely at this time, he does say extra vigilance for the next few weeks is important.

"I know everyone is exhausted," Kamitsuka said. "But we are really close to the next bend."

He said that more effective treatments are on the way, as are more COVID tests. Those factors, paired with increased vaccination rates will help the community through this spike.

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Is it safe to eat at Wilmington area restaurants with omicron spike?