As restaurants get ready to reopen, inspectors will make sure new guidelines are being enforced

PHOENIX - Restaurants across Arizona are getting ready to reopen on May 11, but are customers ready to return?

To help out, Maricopa County says its restaurant inspectors are on the job to help these establishments keep people safe from COVID-19.

FOX 10 has learned there won't be mandatory pre-inspections before restaurants reopen, as there isn’t enough time or people to pull it off. However, when an inspector does show up, they will really be getting restaurants back to the basics.

One eatery, Taco Chelo in Downtown Phoenix, invited inspectors to come.

"I wanted to find out what guidelines we can get better at, what they’re going to be looking for, because safety is going to be our number one focus," said owner Aaron Chamberlain.

Chamberlain took photos of the inspector going over 11 pages worth of procedures, from the usual food prep and temperature levels, to covering coronavirus concerns. The best soap, paper towels, and disinfectants to have on hand, spots like door handles to keep extra clean, how to properly wash hands and reminding symptomatic staff to stay home.

"We’re going to monitor social distancing and seating, everything we can to make sure that people feel safe and make sure employees feel safe," said Chamberlain.

The county's 70 inspectors are ready to beef up investigations connected to COVID-19 complaints, and will focus on full-service, higher risk restaurants first.

"We will address cleanliness concerns at restaurants, whether it’s related to COVID-19 or another type of complaint," said Darcy Kober with Maricopa County Environmental Services

After shutting down for several weeks, Taco Cello can't wait to get cooking again. As for their inspection - they got an A.

"People have to eat," said Chamberlain. "We’re going to be here. We’re going to feed them, and we’re just looking forward to being back.

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COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick. 

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.