CDC study finds restaurant dining linked to COVID-19 risk

HOUSTON - A new CDC study may have you thinking twice about going out to eat.  

It found those in the survey who tested positive for COVID-19 were twice as likely to have eaten in a restaurant within 14 days before they became sick.

While 71% of those say they always wear a mask in public, researchers believe many are still getting sick because they remove their masks to eat in restaurants, and because of the air circulation.

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But some people say they'll keep eating out.

"I have no problem.  I do a lot of drive-through, too, so not very many contacts," said restaurant-goer Gavin Doyle.

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The study also found both positive and negative cases reported going to gyms, hair salons, stores, and in-home gatherings in equal measure.  But 42% who tested positive were more likely to have been in close contact with someone who had COVID-19.  Half the time it was a family member.

"I just try to keep my distance away from people, around six feet, you know, at least," said Doyle.

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The study only followed 314 people, so it's considered small. It also did not ask whether people went to indoor or outdoor dining. But researchers say it's a reminder to assess the risk of exposure as more schools and workplaces reopen.