Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have noted that when restrictions on dining on premises at restaurants were lifted by states, rates of daily COVID-19 cases increased 41 to 100 days later and deaths related to COVID-19 also rose significantly after 60 days.

The report also stated that state mask mandates decreased the spread of the virus within a few weeks. Researchers noted that daily cases rose by 0.9% at 41 to 60 days after dining was permitted on premises. The rates increased by 1.2% at 61 to 80 days, and 1.1% at 81 to 100 days after the dining on premises restrictions were lifted. While death rates did not rise significantly initially, but a rise of 2.2% was noted at 61 to 80 days after on-premises dining was permitted. Deaths increased by 3% at 81 to 100 days. The report is published online in the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report… (Medscape)