You can do it electronically, which will keep both you and the staff safer. But even if coronavirus does somehow make its way into your food, despite these precautions, are you at risk of getting it? “The main risk of transmission is from close contact with infected people. Fears of the coronavirus have caused some people to wonder if even getting takeout food could pose a danger. © 2020 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. COVID-19 is believed to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets – in other words when a person coughs or sneezes in your direction. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

During the COVID-19 crisis how safe is take-out or food prepared in restaurants? Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. AccuWeather's US winter forecast calls for a two-faced season for millions. I imagine that if this is possible, the risk is extremely low,” said Angela L. Rasmussen, PhD, a virologist in the faculty of the Center for Infection and Immunity at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, adding that she is not aware of any human coronaviruses that can be transmitted through food. Unpack your groceries, and, if you want and it will make you feel more comfortable, wipe down the cans and bags with disinfectant wipes or simple soap and water.

After transferring the takeout food from its carton onto your plate, wash your hands again before you eat. Delivery drivers often rely on tips and gratuity to bolster any hourly wage they receive for delivering takeout food. People have been encouraged to order takeout in an effort to aid local businesses. Although hot food is less likely to have infectious virus present depending on the temperature of the food, risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 through eating any food is extremely low. You’ll be a more informed patron, and you’ll be indirectly helping the employees by letting managers know that their safety matters to you. “We don’t have any data on this. If the restaurant you’re ordering from doesn’t offer delivery, takeout is still a relatively safe option. Coronavirus: Is your takeout, delivery food…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Flex Alert issued Thursday amid soaring Bay Area temperatures, Coronavirus: Is your takeout, delivery food safe?

It's definitely possible, but that doesn't mean you should start stockpiling. Both takeout and delivery are lower in risk than eating out, because you tend not to be around others for long periods of time. Dr. Henry Fraimow, an infectious disease specialist at Cooper University Health Care, says it is. “And if you are in the 1 percent of extreme worriers, order pizza and zap it in the oven for 400 degrees,” Dr. Cannon said. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. Travel is at a near standstill, families are forced to separate or shelter-in-place, places where people congregate, like shopping malls, movie theaters, and gyms are all shuttered due to tightening restrictions on gathering and social distancing. At present, the likelihood you'll contract COVID-19 is very low and the vast majority of people experience mild symptoms that could be mistaken for a cold or the flu. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). The CDC and WHO have yet to issue guidance on how to handle takeout food, to play it safe you will want to use your own plates and utensils that have already been sanitized. The coronavirus thrives in wet conditions, and heat dries moisture.

A: Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. I am passionate about using social media to communicate science and frequently share pictures and stories from my own laboratory work in real-time on my Twitter account @vickyyyf, alongside commentary about important research breakthroughs. Use hand sanitizer after you leave the grocery store. Wash produce as you usually do when preparing it. Some traditional fast food restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken and Chipotle are also offering free delivery if people don’t want to venture out. However, research is continuing into whether the virus can be shared by people who do not wash their hands before they prepare food. So what are the differences between coronaviruses and noroviruses? And, outside of China, there's only a 0.7 percent fatality rate, according to WHO.

“Noroviruses are much more stable viruses [than coronaviruses] and remain on surfaces for quite long periods of time in the environment and in food. Ask if they are getting sick pay, so they don’t have to work if they are ill. Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications.

And whether you choose takeout or delivery, pay in advance. Consider using hand sanitizer before and after selecting produce items. GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. Many restaurant workers are paid “sub-minimum wage,” just a few dollars an hour, on the assumption that the rest of their income will be covered by tips. Do not share. Current recommendations to prevent the spread of coronavirus are frequent hand washing and avoiding touching the face, to reduce the chance of any virus present reaching the respiratory tract. It's hard to predict when a road trip emergency might occur, but if you keep a few survival basics in your car you won’t have to worry about being unprepared. A Level 2 advisory was issued for Italy, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Macau, according to the State Department's website. Like other viruses, it is possible that … Because the virus is not believed to be carried by food, you can order anything you like — sushi, pizza, salads. During the COVID-19 crisis how safe is take-out or food prepared in restaurants? It’s especially important to show them a little love right now with their hours likely being cut and demand severely dropping. Here are some answers from food-safety specialists and public health experts. Currently, there is no evidence to support the transmission of the virus directly by eating food that someone who is ill may have sneezed or coughed near.
But many questions remain about the risks of those methods. Probably not, as long as you follow the handwashing and social distancing practices.
North Carolina State University’s Extension program offers these tips for grocery shopping: What to do when you get home with the groceries?

A: Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods, and there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.

However, the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person in some communities in the U.S.

Thorough cooking will kill the virus.”. Everything you need for tracking hurricane season, Provides winter weather forecasts and the winter weather outlook for your area, Visit our Corporate Site for more info on AccuWeather, Download our free award-winning apps for Superior Accuracy™ on the go, Explore More, Dive Deeper, Analyze Faster with AccuWeather Premium, Specialized Weather Centers, More of Everything with AccuWeather Professional. But is there a risk of catching coronavirus from food takeout or delivery? Wash your hands. If you can afford it, overtip your driver.

“Heat almost certainly inactivates the virus, although studies have not been done to my knowledge describing the specific temperatures or durations at those temperatures at which inactivation occurs,” said Rasmussen. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Wipe down everything.

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