Consumers in the US are apprehensive of dining out and interested in takeout and delivery for fear of COVID-19 according to a survey by AlixPartners.

More than 26% of a thousand consumers surveyed said they will be cutting back on dining out, up from 20% from April polls.

Consumers are relying heavily on takeout and delivery. Some 80% of consumers reported ordering meals for take-out, which is up from 69% in the April survey.

Takeout and delivery orders were placed at least once a week by 57% of consumers polled for fast food and pizza.

Pick-up was a popular choice compared to food delivery. Only 16% of those surveyed preferred using third-party delivery providers.

The reason for their reduction in on-premise restaurant visits is the fear of getting infected with Covid-19 as acknowledged by 60% of those polled.

Safety measures, including outdoor seating, disposable menus, and mask-wearing, showed some hope in encouraging diners to visit restaurants, according to the survey. Mandated mask-wearing was cited by 36% of those surveyed as something that would increase their restaurant visits.