The past year has been devastating for small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector such as restaurants, brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms, breweries, wineries, distilleries and bakeries. So as a way to help some of the hardest hit get back on their feet, the government has introduced ‘Restaurant Revitalization Funding’. The program can award funds up to $5,000,000 per location and will initially prioritize businesses owned by women, veterans and those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
Funding can be used to clean up the air
The funding can be used in a variety of ways, from the repayment of debts, to stocking up on cleaning materials and protective equipment, including portable HEPA air purifiers.
The CDC recommends HEPA
According to the CDC, counties that did not make mask wearing mandatory and permitted indoor dining, saw a significant rise in daily infection rates. Of course, there may be other factors at play, but if we are to feel confident socializing indoors again, we need to know safety measures are in place to keep the air free from contaminants.
Which is why the CDC recommends using HEPA filtration in a variety of indoor settings, including schools, offices and public buildings. Medical Grade HEPA filtration is guaranteed to remove the smallest of particles when they are airborne, including viruses and bacteria.
What else can be done to keep diners safe?
There are a number of other measures, that if implemented, will also help to keep infections to a minimum. Regular testing of staff, the option for staff to stay home if they develop symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person, the wearing of masks by diners and staff, adequate facilities to eat outdoors, as well as improved ventilation and air filtration when dining indoors.
Why are restaurants so high risk?
It is clear that all public indoor spaces are a potential risk, but restaurants face particular challenges due to the fact that masks are not worn all the time when people are eating and drinking. And large groups of people are mingling together for a prolonged period of time, often an hour or more.
According to one study from Korea, in a restaurant setting, the virus can spread more than three times the six-foot range in just five minutes. Using CCTV and cell phone location data, the team discovered two diners were infected with the virus by an asymptomatic diner who was sitting twenty-one feet away. How could this happen? The ceiling AC system provided direct airflow from the infected person to the other two diners.
Without other safety measures in place, the team from Korea believe the standard six feet of space between tables is not enough to protect diners during the course of their meal.
Let’s get back to normal with Austin Air!
Here at Austin Air, we’ve been making dangerous air safe to breathe for more than 30 years. Using a combination of Medical Grade HEPA and a unique carbon blend, our air purifiers are guaranteed to remove airborne viruses, bacteria, chemicals, VOC’s and allergens. The robust design of an Austin Air Purifier together with a 5-year filter life, makes our units the perfect choice for a restaurant setting.
For more info on funding eligibility and how to apply, follow this link. And if you’d like more info on our range of air purifiers, why not visit our SHOP page today. Let’s get back to normal with Austin Air!
