Dutch restaurant introduces 'glass booths' for ensuring social distancing

A Dutch restaurant in Amsterdam has introduced 'quarantine greenhouses'; so diners can eat while following social distancing guidelines. Let's take a look:

A Dutch restaurant called Mediamatic ETEN has come up with an idea on how to offer classy outdoor dining in the age of coronavirus: small glass cabins built for two or three people, creating intimate cocoons on a public patio.

Waiters wear gloves and transparent face shields, and use a long board to bring dishes into the glass cabins to ensure minimal physical contact with customers.

While the concept is currently being trialed only for family and friends of staff from the restaurant, which is part of the Mediamatic arts centre, it certainly looks glamorous, as diners enjoy candle-lit meals with a waterside view.

Still, as many places begin to loosen restrictions on social distancing, this type of greenhouse dining could take off.

The Netherlands' restaurant association KNH has said that even if restaurants are allowed to reopen at limited capacity and with safety measures in place, many face financial ruin if social distancing rules are maintained.

Dutch restuarants are closed to the public until at least May 19, though kitchens may operate for takeaway.

The Dutch government is expected to lay out a roadmap for how and when it may begin loosening restrictions.