Portsmouth NH Restaurants Rejoice As Indoor Seating Returns To 100% Capacity

Restaurants of Portsmouth rejoice! At 8:26 AM today, the official word was delivered through a memo from City Health Officer Kim McNamara. Food service facilities may return to normal capacity!

 I am happy to report that yesterday, after a sustained decline since May 24th in Covid-19 percent positivity and transmission rates, Rockingham County achieved a 0.9% positivity.

 

Therefore, indoor seating in Portsmouth food service facilities may return to normal capacity, which must still comply with all applicable codes.

 

- Kim McNamara  - City Of Portsmouth Memo from the City Manager and City Health Officer

As if restauranteurs in the Port City needed more good news, the current stifling heat wave will begin to loosen it's grip as the weekend draws near. Right now, highs are predicted to be in the low 70s.

I applaud all the Portsmouth restaurants for being steadfast in following the protocols of the last 15 months.

First, the doors were closed.

Then, take out only with social distancing floor markers and plexiglass dividers.

Then reduced capacity with table and chair requirements and measurements that were enough to give a geometry major a minor headache.

As someone who frequently enjoys a frosty beverage while I'm out running errands, it drove me batty to take up two seats at a bar, when it's only me sitting there? It was frustrating for couples waiting to be seated and the staff and downright awkward for yours truly.

Those days are gone! May they NEVER return.

I have no idea where all those extra chairs were stored over the past year and four months but I'll be super happy to see them again!