Question On Inside Or Outside Dining During The Pandemic....

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. If possible, stay outside.

You will be taking your masks off once you are seated. Remember that inside, in an enclosed space, the tiny droplets that enclose this virus and make it possible for others to breathe will take time to be dissipated. That is also true outdoors, but outside there are typically breezes and air movements that will do the same thing only faster.

If the enclosed tent is really and truly enclosed, then you are essentially inside. But if the walls are up, at least partially, you are outdoors or in an amalgam of indoors and outdoors.

Personally, I have dined indoors only once since the middle of March. That was about a week ago. My two friends, whom I get together with once a week or so, chose the restaurant and decided on indoor seating because the weather was iffy. The social distancing in the restaurant was excellent. I feel as safe as if we'd been outdoors.

A lot depends on where you live, what your climate is like. I have the good fortune to live in Santa Fe, which is pretty good for outdoor dining most of the year. I expect that as the weather turns cooler, the restaurants here will have the outdoor heating units which can be wonderful.

If you live in a northern climate, you are screwed.

But don't get me wrong. I LOVE northern climates and truly hard winters. I grew up in northern New York State and think that's a wonderful kind of place to be. But I do recognize that eating outside in such places won't be easy. You who live there have my genuine sympathy.