Columbia restaurants asked to disinfect more as COVID-19 outbreak continues

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department has asked restaurants to disinfect more regularly as many are transitioning to pickup and delivery only amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Department Director Stephanie Browning signed an order Saturday that restricts restaurants in Boone County from providing dine-in service.

Environmental Health Supervisor Kala Tomka told ABC 17 News that as the department hears from the CDC with guidelines for food establishments, it shares that information with businesses.

The department is also asking restaurants to disinfect more often and provided each restaurant with a list of EPA-approved disinfectants that are shown to combat the novel coronavirus.

The owner of 44 Stone Public House, Mark Sulltrop, shut his dining room doors a day before the official order came down. He said while there are no restrictions on food preparation right now, they have received guidance from the health department and the Missouri Restaurant Association.

"Obviously we've changed how we wipe down those heavily touched areas," Sulltrop said. "We had to get in some special cleaners for that."

44 Stone and 44 Canteen are moving to curbside pickup and delivery, but Sulltrop said it is a fraction of the business he is used to.

"We're not making money, we're just trying to create a little bit of revenue," Sulltrop said. "Just a matter of trying to use up what inventory we can and not purchase anything as best as we can, and just get by and see what happens tomorrow, so to speak."

Sulltrop said his business had to lay off more than 75 percent of his staff because there simply was not enough work.

"They all know it's not in my hands, I would love to keep them on," Sulltrop said. "I've had to put employees on leave that have been with me a very long time and that's always sad."

And as the impacts of the outbreak change daily, Sulltrop said he's thankful for the community and his staff for understanding the dire times.

"We're trying to do what we can for as long as we can," Sulltrop said.

Check back for more and Watch ABC 17 News at 9 and 10 for a full report.