Dining out, going to pubs linked to contracting coronavirus: US study

 Close contact with COVID-19 patients, and dining at restaurants and pubs, are associated with testing positive for vel coronavirus infection, according to a study of outpatients from 11 US health care facilities.

According to research, published in US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report journal, ults who tested positive for vel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 were nearly twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant than those with negative test results.

To assess community and close contact exposures associated with COVID-19, scientists, including those from US National Institutes of Health, assessed exposures reported by 154 ult case-patients, who were diagsed using RT-PCR tests, and compared se with data from 160 control-participants who showed symptoms, but h negative test results.

According to study, data collected by scientists from participants included demographic characteristics, information on underlying chronic medical conditions, symptoms, and self-rated physical and mental health.

y also collected data from participants about close contact -- within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more -- with a person with kwn COVID-19, workplace exposures, mask-wearing behaviour, and community activities in last 14 days before y started experiencing symptoms.

"Case-patients were more likely to have reported dining at a restaurant (any area designated by restaurant, including indoor, patio, and outdoor seating) in 2 weeks preceding illness onset than were control-participants," study ted.

When scientists restricted ir analysis to those without kwn interaction with a COVID-19 patient, respondents were more likely to report dining at a restaurant, or going to a bar or coffee shop than control-participants. Exposures and activities where mask use and social distancing are difficult to maintain, including going to places that offer on-site eating or drinking, might be important risk factors for acquiring COVID-19,  scientists wrote in research.

y said such exposures in restaurants could be linked to air circulation.Direction, ventilation, and intensity of airflow might affect virus transmission, even if social distancing measures and mask use are implemented according to current guidance, study ted. Masks cant be effectively worn while eating and drinking, whereas shopping and numerous or indoor activities do t preclude mask use, scientists said.

Citing limitations of study, researchers said sample included only 314 symptomatic patients who actively sought testing during July 1 to 29 at 11 health care facilities, and may t represent whole US population. y said study's survey question assessing dining at a restaurant did t distinguish between indoor and outdoor options.

scientists also ded that query to participants about going to a bar or coffee shop did t distinguish between venues or service delivery methods, which might represent different exposures. Since participants were aware of ir SARS-CoV-2 test results, y said this information could have also influenced ir responses to questions about community exposures and close contacts.

However, as communities reopen, researchers believe efforts to reduce possible exposures at locations offering on-site eating and drinking options should be considered to protect customers, employees, and communities.y said continued assessment of various s of activities and exposures as communities, schools, and workplaces reopen is important.

"Implementing safe practices to reduce exposures to SARS-CoV-2 during on-site eating and drinking should be considered to protect customers, employees, and communities, and slow spre of COVID-19," scientists concluded. 

(Im Credits:PTI)