As the fear of the coronavirus spreads, restaurants and restaurant patrons are taking their health into their own hands.

Restaurateurs across the state say they are on heightened alert at the threat of potentially losing customers to a virus.

At Sam’s of Gedney Way in White Plains owner Peter Herrero says they have had no choice but to become very proactive in the face of coronavirus.

“Nice to see you, we are giving you genuflects. We're giving you our love and our service, but not our germs,” he says.

He is passing along any and all information about the deadly virus to staff and customers alike.

“Stay healthy, wash your hands, cough into your sleeves, if you’re sick, stay home…There's so much we can do to be preventive,” he says.

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Herrero says his restaurant business hasn't taken a hit, but he has noticed a slowdown in his catering business.

He says his No. 1 priority is to calm the fears of his clients and customers by arming them with safety tips.

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Maxine LaRoss says she is taking his advice, along with other precautions as well.  Her mantra is better safe than sorry.

“I'm not going to the movies. I wouldn't go to a Broadway show. I wouldn't go on the subway. I'm concerned about the crowds,” she says.

LaRoss says if she gets the virus, she knows that she did everything possible to prevent it – and she’s praying that it’s enough.