The Decline of Social Scenes Due to COVID-19

Since the mandatory closure of nonessential businesses in April, it has become increasingly more difficult to maintain a social life.  

Nightclubs, concerts, and sporting events have been on a complete hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic; yet people still crave carefree nights on the dance floor, long to listen to up-and-coming artists perform, and hope to attend a competitive basketball game. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit the restaurant industry hard and restaurants are still not fully open. People need to settle for outdoor dining and cocktails – but even that has surely surpassed what we used to call the “norm.” 

Due to sparse outdoor seating at restaurants, New York City, for instance, “is expanding weekend seating options … by temporarily closing streets to traffic.”

According to the CDC, restaurant and bars must:

Some restaurants even provide hand sanitizer or take customers’ temperatures, as precautions, and many waiters wear a face shield over their mask for extra protection. In a recent simulation study, “Face shields were shown to reduce immediate viral exposure by 96% when worn by a health care worker within 18 inches of a cough.”

Participating in this alternate lifestyle is like starring in a futuristic movie. If you desire social interaction, then outdoor dining, a FaceTime date, or socially distant walk will have to suffice. 

For rooftop or outdoor dining recommendations in Chicago, L.A. or New York, please click the links. 

Learn how some of our Tribe members are safely socializing.

Have you started eating out at restaurants that offer outdoor dining? 

@revciancio: Yes.

@ftlauderdalefoodies: I have, but in moderation. It’s only been a handful of times, as I usually opt for take out. But, yes, I’ve recently started.

@i_on_the_valley: Yes, I have started eating outside at restaurants that offer outdoor dining. Outdoor dining is a wonderful experience during the summertime and a great way to support local restaurants!

@taystytravels: Yes, but I have only been to a couple of restaurants.

Did you feel they are taking the proper precautions (are tables spaced 6 ft. apart, are they sanitizing well after each customer, etc.)? 

@revciancio: For the most part, but sanitization could be better. 

@ftlauderdalefoodies: So far, the places I’ve visited have. Hand sanitizer on the tables, masks on staff, cleaning before getting to the table and even digital menus.

@i_on_the_valley: I have dined at numerous restaurants since COVID-19 and I have found that all restaurants I've visited have taken the proper precautions and safeguards to protect both the customers and the employees. Contactless menus with QR codes have been a great addition to the dining experience!

@taystytravels: Yes and no. Each restaurant I have visited has been different; it's as if they are almost making up their own rules. 

If yes, did you feel safe at the restaurant(s) you visited? 

@revciancio: Yes, but partly due to my own precautions - mask, wipes, sanitizer, hand washing, selection of who I was with. 

@ftlauderdalefoodies: Yes

@i_on_the_valley: Yes, totally safe! As a New Yorker our community has fought hard to flatten the curve and restaurants have taken the proper steps to keep things extra clean. 

@taystytravels: I did because I took my own precautions. It definitely felt strange dining out again. Probably will continue to go out once in a while but more support via pick-up/delivery options. 

If you have not dined outdoors at restaurants yet, when do you think you will feel comfortable starting? 

@revciancio: My family will be more willing when the curve is downward consistently. 

@i_on_the_valley: Already dined out numerous times and will definitely dine out again soon!

Have you been socializing with friends? 

@revciancio: Yes, but with a very tight group and mostly family, all of whom have been practicing safe social distancing and cleanliness. 

@ftlauderdalefoodies: I’ve seen two friends since this started on separate occasions.

@i_on_the_valley: I have seen small groups of friends in a socially distanced setting. 

@taystytravels: I have mainly stuck with just seeing family and my boyfriend. Yet, I did see some fellow foodies a couple of weeks back. 

If yes, do you all wear masks and keep 6 ft. apart? What is the dynamic like? 

@revciancio: No

@ftlauderdalefoodies: One friend I do mostly everything with, and the dynamic is normal. We work together from my house, and when we aren’t together we’re at our respective homes. She has a baby so we don’t really go anywhere and when we do it’s normally with each other. Quarantine buddies! The other friend I saw, we were outside the entire time and maintained a distance.

@i_on_the_valley: Yes we are cautious but it is wonderful to still have each other's company!

@taystytravels: The dynamic was interesting. We were all so used to seeing each other with such excitement not being able to give a hug or kiss on the cheek felt odd. I wore my mask the entire time and we definitely all kept a respectful distance. 

How do you determine who you feel comfortable socializing with? 

@revciancio: They must be practicing social distancing, hand washing, and minimal contact with others regularly, and not attending public gatherings or parties.  

@ftlauderdalefoodies: How they’ve been moving during the pandemic, but I haven't really seen anyone except the two mentioned above.

@i_on_the_valley: Close friends and those who wear masks. 

@taystytravels: Besides one recent outing, I have stuck to seeing the same people throughout this entire quarantine. From the beginning, I wanted to keep it to just family and my boyfriend - essentially those who I knew were quarantining safely just as I have been. 

ResourceKaty CoffieldComment