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We’re breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic by answering your questions. You can send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday on our website, and we’re also putting some of your questions to the experts on the air during The National and News Network. So far we’ve received more than 38,000 emails from all corners of the country.
Once restaurants reopen, will it be safe to use their utensils, glasses and plates?
Restaurants are going to look very different than what we’re used to once they open back up. Kerina W. is wondering if it’ll be safe to use the utensils, glasses and plates provided in restaurants.
Dr. Colin Furness, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, said there are a few factors to consider when it comes to restaurants.
The first is the level of community spread in the area you’re in.
“Whether it’s a restaurant or any kind of place you’re interacting with people and objects, what really matters is how much community spread there is locally,” he said.
“There’s no question there is risk, and you need to have trust like you do with a restaurant anytime. But it’s going to be higher if there’s community spread.”
He said that because COVID-19 can also be spread by touch, it’s important to consider how many people are touching the same things you are — not only your plates and cutlery, but your food and anything else in the restaurant.
And like always, Furness said, the most important thing is to use hand sani