People are eager to return to their pre-pandemic routines, and with all 50 states now partially reopened, it’s crucial that businesses and consumers obey strict safety protocols. To help ensure folks follow the rules, Yelp is introducing a handful of in-app features, including highlighting health and safety measures and ensuring a smooth dine-in service.
“During this period of uncertainty, Yelp has given business owners a platform to communicate how they are operating,” Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh, head of consumer product, wrote in a blog announcement. Owners can simply log in to manage a listing and indicate changes like new hours; availability of delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup; and virtual service offerings (consultations, classes, tours, performances, etc.).
Before venturing out, check Yelp for updates on whether a restaurant is allowing dine-in service and contactless payments, or if a particular gym has virtual classes or enforced social distancing. Look for new details about sanitizing between clientele, mask/glove requirements for staff and customers, limited capacity, and temperature checks—each with a timestamp indicating when the information was last updated.
“We’re also combining machine learning with human moderation from our User Operations team to keep Yelp business pages useful to consumers with up-to-date, publicly available information,” Kuduvalli Ramesh explained. “For example, based on what a business shares on their website or social media pages, we’re ensuring consumers know if they offer curbside pickup, delivery, or virtual services.”
The crowd-sourced review service is also giving its Waitlist feature a boost with a printable QR code for contactless entry into the online queue, as well as front-of-house management functions that help monitor seating capacity and control wait times.
