COVID-19 has caused so much uncertainty for many of us, that we have begun to question everything. The virus has caused many businesses across the nation to close. The majority of restaurants are attempting to still offer take out and delivery options so they can stay afloat through the chaos. Many of us are asking ourselves, “is it safe to order food in a time like this?”
The CDC and FDA are both claiming that there is still no significant danger posed by food delivery and take out options. According to these agencies, it should be safe for us to continue to support local restaurants, by ordering food from them in this difficult time. Although the CDC says we should still be safe ordering take out and using delivery services, there are some steps you can take to ensure you are completely protecting yourself from this pandemic when eating take out and delivery.
Research the restaurants you order from.
If you feel uncomfortable ordering food in these uncertain times, one of the best ways to ease your worries is to do some research. The CDC website opens in a new window recommends checking inspection scores on your health department’s website, ordering food that is properly cooked, and when in doubt calling restaurants to see what they are doing to prevent the spread of disease.
It is always important for us to stay vigilant when eating out. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opens in a new window highly recommends being extra careful when ordering food that will be consumed by adults age 65 and older, children younger than age 5, people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness (weakened immune system), and pregnant women.
When possible use delivery rather than take out.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and government officials are highly recommending staying home when at all possible during this pandemic. It is important we minimize any contact we have with the outside world right now to slow the spread of the virus. Most restaurants are moving to make delivery options available. Whenever these services are available it is always in your best interest to take advantage. If a restaurant does not have delivery as a possibility you might want to consider ordering from somewhere that does. Apple Spice is open for takeout or delivery. Location-specific restrictions may apply. Call an Apple Spice near you opens in a new window for more details.
Take advantage of contactless delivery.
Practicing social distancing is crucial as we attempt to beat this virus. The less interaction we have with outside sources the better. Most restaurants and delivery services have made contactless delivery their new norm with the Coronavirus pandemic. But, if you want to be extra careful you can request it from the restaurant or delivery service you are using to ensure you don’t have any unnecessary contact with anyone you don’t live with.
To stay safe, you should try to reduce the number of people who come in contact with your food before you eat it. Apple Spice skips the middle-man by providing company-specific delivery services. Check out the Apple Spice website opens in a new window to get individually packaged food directly from our kitchen to your door.
Remove food from its packaging promptly.
If COVID-19 is going to be passed through food delivery and take out, it is most likely going to be through contact with the packaging for the food. Although the packaging provided by take out companies provides us with convenient fast clean-up after our meal, it is in your best interest to take food out of the packaging provided by the restaurant promptly for added protection. Upon receiving your food you should transfer it over to a plate or bowl you have at home and immediately throw out the restaurant packaging.
Wash your hands!
It goes without saying that washing your hands is a necessity right now. According to the CDC website opens in a new window washing your hands and not touching your face is the best way to avoid catching the virus. They recommend “washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.”
If you are going to pick up food or eat delivery, it is essential that you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. As always, before eating or handling your food you should wash your hands, to protect yourself from being exposed to whatever bacteria and or viruses are on your hands at the time.
