Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, few things bring us more joy than getting out of our homes to pick up a carefully packed, aromatic bag of carry-out from our favorite local restaurant. In fact, in just about two weeks, the newly created 2GoFW Facebook group has more than 29 thousand members. We love our takeout. But, with that comes a new anxiety about whether or not picking up food from outside our home means subjecting ourselves and our families to the virus. We heard from Steve Schumm, director of the Food & Consumer Protection Division at the Allen County Health Department, who sheds some light on common concerns.
Can COVID-19 be spread by food transmission or touching food packaging?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet) through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) are not aware of any reports at this time of human illnesses that suggest COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging.
Is it safe to go to a restaurant to pick up food?
The intent of the executive order is to keep people from congregating in a dining area. To limit congregating or long lines, retail food facilities may allow people to walk in to pick up food or have employees bring an order out to a vehicle. Lines of customers waiting for a takeout order should be discouraged and could be addressed by signage or employees promoting social distancing (staying at least six feet apart and/or no more than 10 people at a time). Restaurants that follow these procedures will maintain a safe takeout environment for consumers.
How can consumers and food distributors stay safe during this time?
It is always important to follow good hygiene practices when handling or preparing foods. Food employees are required to wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
Food employees should stay home when sick, including if they are sneezing, coughing or have a fever, and should only return when they are no longer experiencing symptoms. Employees diagnosed with COVID-19 should notify their management immediately.
Using these precautions and ensuring that the restaurants we choose are following the recommended guidelines will help keep everyone safe, while still enjoying the subtle pleasure of bringing our favorite dish back to the safety of our own homes.
As always, we recommend washing your own hands thoroughly, with warm water, for at least 20 seconds before eating food.
