As California begins to open up due to the state depressing down the COVID-19 tier system, more and businesses begin to re-open. San Mateo county going into the orange tier as of Tuesday, March 16th, enables indoor eating to be more open. I sat down with NDB community members to address whether or not they feel comfortable eating indoors in the current environment.

Some students shared that they did not feel comfortable eating inside at all as they felt it would prevent further progress from moving out of the pandemic, by causing cases to rise.

“I don’t think indoor eating should be allowed at the moment. Although vaccination rates are going up and cases are going down, we as a state are not completely Covid-free. I believe those who choose to eat indoors are being selfish,” said NDB senior Eabha Finn.

Being cautious as the state begins to open up again is really important and our California community knows that in order to move to a lower tier, everyone needs to continue to wear masks and social distance as vaccines begin to be distributed.

Other students felt much more comfortable with indoor dining as long as restaurants are properly following the California guidelines.

“If the tables are distanced enough and people are wearing masks when they aren’t eating, and it’s not at full capacity,” said NDB freshman Madeleine King, “it will be safe.”

Seeing restaurants that are not as careful when it comes to guidelines does add a fear factor because customers know that they are not necessarily going to be as safe when they are eating.

“I would feel comfortable eating inside, as long as it is not busy and everyone is wearing a mask,” said NDB junior Sofia Miele.

Overall, people are beginning to become more comfortable with eating indoors, but some may still opt for eating outdoors to take more safety precautions. All of the above is a step in the right direction as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to see a close somewhere in the near future.