Is it safe to have food delivered?

Is it safe to have food delivered?

With indoor dining still on hold at many restaurants, ordering food can be a nice alternative to cooking yet another meal for your family.

But is it safe to get food delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic? Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, says yes. In fact, he’s been ordering takeout during the pandemic.

“There’s never been any evidence to suggest that this virus can be transmitted by takeout food,” Dr. Citronberg said during a recent Facebook Live event.

“If there’s any concerns about getting anything on your hands before you eat, wash your hands, which you probably should be doing anyway before you eat,” he says.

Be sure to practice social distancing by waiting for the delivery person to drop off the food at your door before opening the door to retrieve your meal.

If you’re looking to get out of the house, many restaurants offer curbside delivery. Wearing your mask and staying inside your car until your order is ready can help prevent the spread of the virus. If you go inside the restaurant for a carryout order, remember to use hand sanitizer before entering and practice social distancing once you’re inside.

Dr. Citronberg’s comments came during a Facebook Live event where he and other experts answered questions about common COVID-19 myths. You can find the full video below.

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Comments

2 Comments

  1. Dr. Citronberg states he thinks food delivery is safe, my concern is with those preparing the food. I often wonder if the person preparing the food is doing so safely. Do they have their mouth AND nose covered and if they cough or sneeze while preparing food and isn’t safely covered then what? Thank you in advance for your response.
    Cordially,
    Janice

    • This is also something I wonder. How safe is it really, especially if droplets were to somehow get into your food?

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About the Author

Vicki Martinka Petersen
Vicki Martinka Petersen

Vicki Martinka Petersen, health enews contributor, is a digital copywriter on the content team at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. A former newspaper reporter, she’s worked in health care communications for the last decade. In her spare time, Vicki enjoys tackling her to be read pile, trying new recipes, meditating, and planning fun activities to do in the Chicago area with her husband and son.