The focus of a health inspector’s job has changed slightly since the outbreak of the coronavirus. In addition to normal duties, inspectors in Daviess County have been answering calls related to social distancing complaints at various establishments.
“It’s changed in the way we’re addressing things right now because of COVID-19 for sure,” said Ryan Christian, environmental supervisor for the Daviess County Health Department. “We are placing a priority on social distancing and responding to all food complaints and to any complaints that there may be social distancing issues.”
Many of the complaints initially were from people concerned about the number of customers inside a facility who weren’t socially distancing or grocery stores not sanitizing their shopping carts, Christian said. Other calls came from people who sought advice on which was the best method to pick up food, whether it be using the drive-thru or curbside only.
“We’ve gone out to restaurants to follow up on complaints, but we haven’t had to issue any citations or anything because if there is a problem we have talked it out with the facility and they’ve taken the needed action to get those things corrected,” he said.
Christian and three other full-time Daviess County inspectors answer two to seven calls a day. He said the department hasn’t been conducting as many inspections because of COVID-19, but they are still responding to complaints to make sure that all of the restaurants that are able to operate are still maintaining food safety.
“For the most part everyone is really doing a good job in our district,” he said. “We’re currently still business as usual.”
He said people should create a grocery shopping list to help them get in and out of the store as quickly as possible to reduce exposure. Some people have started sanitizing their grocery packages for extra caution, which Christian said is a personal choice.
“That’s really something up to the individual. I would say what is really important is after handling your packages and food,” he said. “The best thing to do really is to wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds. That’s your best defense against COVID-19.”
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