How you can help the F&B industry during the Coronavirus outbreak

As we brace for further impact from the Coronavirus outbreak, self-quarantines, social distancing, and city shutdowns have caused ripple effects in numerous industries, with the F&B sector facing a large impact of the crisis. Many local dining and drinking establishments have already seen a drop in their revenue despite a lack of lockdown in Singapore. Measures are being taken to assist these operators, with the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) spearheading talks with government agencies and ministers. Meanwhile, you can do your part as a consumer. Here’s where every dollar and gesture counts.

Dine out with precautions

Multiple government agencies have recently recommended safe distancing measures for F&B operators. Measures include putting in place a distance of at least a meter apart between the tables, or staggered seating. Where possible, pick restaurants which are spacious, well-ventilated, which pays close attention to cleaning and hygiene measures including regular disinfecting of tables, chairs, and all of its spaces.

Buy a gift certificate

If you can’t pay a visit to a coveted restaurant, make a date for it for when the situation improves with a gift certificate. Your best option is to buy this directly from the restaurant. Alternatively, purchase them from the malls that house them, or from Giftano, a digital gifting site that includes a wide array of dining options.

Be social from a distance

Morale is at an all-time low for restaurant workers. While you plan ahead for future visits to your favourite restaurants with gift certificates, you can help spread the word to your friends and social media followers. Upload those backdated photos and videos in your gallery, tag them, and write a review.

Order take out

Where dining out isn’t an option, there’s always take out. Bring your own containers not only for your peace of mind, but to reduce wastage. Tip: Restaurant reservation app Eatigo now has an eat-to-go service that allows you to book a date, timing, and number of persons for takeout, while offering you discounts if you make the reservation in time.

There’s always delivery

Thankfully, you don’t even have to leave the house for a great meal. There are plenty of food delivery apps  available and that means whopping variety of options. If you’re extra pre-cautious or on a quarantine, avoid meeting the courier in person and have them leave the food hanging at your gate, or waiting at the lobby. Discard the packaging as soon as possible, and wash your hands right after.

But you can still make health and nutrition a priority

Binge-eating as a response to these anxiety-riddled times is what so many of us are guilty of. But it’s crucial to keep your diet in check to boost your immunity. While it’s tempting to stock up on canned and processed food, shop (responsibly) for whole foods, whole grains, and sturdy fruits and vegetables if you’re cooking at home. If you’re opting for delivery, the options for nutritious meals are plenty too. See five of our recommendations in the gallery above.