Frankovich discusses wearing mask in between bites at restaurants

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) – Governor Gavin Newsom offered new advice that extends beyond current official COVID-19 guidance.

The Office of the Governor of California suggested wearing a mask in between bites while dining at a restaurant in a tweet:

“Going out to eat with members of your household this weekend? Don’t forget to keep your mask on in between bites.

“Do your part to keep those around you healthy.”

Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich was asked about the new suggestion. She highlighted that bringing people together in indoor settings increases the risk of exposure. While restaurants are at limited capacity and employ other safety methods including using hand sanitizer and disposable menus, Frankovich said wearing a mask more often will help decrease the risk.

“I think that wearing a mask is important to do,” Frankovich said, “I think that the more you can wear your mask particularly in an indoor setting, the safer it is. I think that when people are sitting at their table, when they are not eating food, I think masking is really helpful to do as much as possible.”