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    Jul 13
    Blog: Patron Responsibility

    As part of the COVID-19 Business Safety Consultation Program, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group - Occupational Medicine helps area employers review their reopening plans. Staff will assist with fine-tuning practices on screening, masking, social distancing, contactless interactions, disinfectant use, and other measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    The goal is to share what we have learned to keep our community healthy and make reopening as safe as possible. However, it’s not just up to the businesses you’re patronizing. Members of the community can do their part, too. eating out at restaurant

    “The most important thing to remember is to wear a mask,” says Taryn Woodard, BS, RN, Associate Director of Occupational Medicine Services. “Most places require you to wear a mask into the establishment until you are seated, and again when you leave or get up from the table for any reason.”

    Along with proper mask etiquette, Taryn recommends bringing a brown paper bag to place your mask in when you’re not wearing it. That way, you don’t have to place it on the table, or ball it up and drop it into your purse. Make sure to write “FRONT” on one side of the bag, so you’re always placing the front of your mask on the same side.

    “Brown paper bags dry out the mask for future use,” Taryn says. “They help to prevent the spread.”

    When deciding where to eat or shop, look around to see what’s been done to enforce social distancing. Are tables in a dining room spaced six feet apart? How about chairs at the bar? Is there hand sanitizer around, and are people using it? Does the restaurant/eatery have a disposable paper menu, or a washable one? Are the utensils individually wrapped? Does the management enforce mask-wearing requirements?

    “This community has worked hard to get to where we are,” says Taryn, “and we need to continue to work together to keep each other safe.” 

    The COVID-19 Business Safety Consultation Program is free to businesses in Saratoga Springs. To schedule an on-site consultation, or learn more about Occupational Medicine Services at Saratoga Hospital, please contact Taryn directly at 518-886-5414, or twoodard@saratogahospital.org