*Please note the numbers in this post were updated March 13th, 2020. The state of COVID-19 in the US has and will continue to dramatically evolve each day. We hope you find this snapshot in time helpful, and for the latest details, please check out more resources at pathspottech.com/resources/coronavirus.
Taking Action During a Pandemic
Operators throughout the food industry are looking for ways to protect their customers and team from COVID-19 and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to food safety and handwashing best practices. This week, PathSpot had the opportunity to help educate the industry on how to prepare for an outbreak— read more below.
Maintain Handwashing as Priority #1
QSR Magazine: Here’s How Your Brand Should Prepare for COVID-19
“‘We’ve analyzed millions of hand washes at restaurants across the country, and from that data, we’ve gone a little deeper.’ Contamination, Schindler says, can get stuck underneath jewelry, under fingernails, in the crevices of hands, and around nail polish.”
Use Tools to Monitor Critical Safety Practices
Nation’s Restaurant News: These 4 Tools Can Help Restaurants Combat Coronavirus
“New smart technologies and apps could bring your sanitation protocols to the next level during this epidemic.”
Align Motivation for Sick Workers to Stay Home
CNBC: Restaurants rethink paid sick-leave policies as coronavirus outbreak spreads
“As the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States rises, companies are reevaluating their sick-leave policies for hourly workers or implementing paid leave for quarantined employees.”
Communicate Efforts to Customers
Restaurant Business: What Should Restaurants Do During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
“Many operators are communicating calming messages to their customers, ensuring they understand that the restaurant is undertaking proper cleaning and hygiene procedures.” Many PathSpot partners, for example, are wearing “My Hands Are Clean” pins to show guests that they’re going above and beyond to prioritize handwashing.
Ensure Handwashing Compliance
We know handwashing is the most impactful way to prevent the spread of illness, but it’s hard to know for sure if it’s happening well (if at all). PathSpot verifies and monitors handwashing so you can assure your team and customers that you’re taking measures to verify food is handled with clean, contaminant-free hands.
The PathSpot hand scanner detects fecal contamination that transmits illness. Employees scan hands to check for contamination with a result in 2 seconds. Real-time alerts and a live data dashboard give managers the visibility they need to ensure frequent, effective handwashing and prevent the spread of illness.