APH launches hotline for restaurants

Public health procedures in the time of Covid-19 are changing so rapidly that food establishments are having trouble staying on top of the latest regulations. So Austin Public Health has helpfully launched a new telephone hotline where the local restaurant community can get answers about Covid-19. Don Hastings, assistant director of APH’s Environmental Health Services Division, said in an announcement about the hotline, “We know that our Austin restaurant community is working hard and doing a good job in keeping their employees, customers and food safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, but we also know that it’s challenging for them to keep abreast of frequently changing federal, state and local Covid-19 regulations, guidelines and scientific findings. We’re hoping this direct line connecting restaurants to our environmental health professionals will help.” The HART – Helping Austin Restaurants Today – hotline can be reached at 512-978-HART (4278) and will be staffed from 7:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday. Those calling after business hours may leave a voicemail or email their question to EHSD.Service@AustinTexas.gov.