New Yelp Feature Allows Users to Report COVID-19 Violations at Restaurants

Yelp is adding a feature to allow user feedback on restaurant COVID-19 safety, the company said in a blog post Tuesday.

“Starting today, Yelp will display if users observed, or did not observe, the enforcement of social distancing and staff wearing masks,” the company said.

“We know many businesses are prioritizing the health and safety of their customers. This new update further highlights how businesses have adapted to keep their customers safe, and aims to instill confidence in consumers to continue supporting local businesses.”

A restaurant’s review page will ask patrons if the staff wore masks and if social distancing was enforced. Users will also be able to report whether staff wore gloves, whether tables were disinfected between meals and if hand sanitizer was provided by the restaurant.

“The business must receive several user responses with consensus from multiple users on whether or not social distancing is being consistently enforced or if staff are regularly seen wearing masks,” said Yelp.

Users will be alerted with a bright yellow exclamation point icon and a message reading, “social distancing might not be enforced” if a majority of reviewer’s report that safety measures are not being enforced.

• Congressional Deal Expected to Benefit Restaurants, Brewers, Federal Workers
• Some Mexico City Restaurants Reopen Defying Pandemic Rules