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With summer upon us and restaurants beginning to reopen for patio seating or–at the very least–curbside pick-up, the desire to order yummy foods from your favorite places is real. But before you pick up that phone and dial to get some of your favorite dishes for take out, remember that experts warn of the very real COVID-19 risks that still exist–even from the safety of your car. What are they?
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Picking up food when delivery is an option. "Having food delivered will keep you from venturing out and possibly being exposed to the COVID-19 virus," epidemiologist and public health expert Robert Gomez (MPH) of Parenting Pod tells us. "Always strive to limit the number of unnecessary exposures."
Not wearing a mask. "When a server hands food to you, you are no longer standing 6 ft away so a mask must be worn," Dr. Shaon Hines, N.D., and member of the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians tells us.
Grabbing the bag with your bare hands. "Touching curbside pickup bags without sanitizing them first will leave you vulnerable to any bacteria left on the bag from the staff at the restaurant you're picking up from," health coach and acupuncturist Jamie Bacharach of Acupuncture Jerusalem tells us.
Picking up food when ill or if you are high-risk. "If you are ill, stay home. Especially if you have flu-like symptoms," epidemiologist and public health expert Robert Gomez (MPH) of Parenting Pod tells us. "If you belong to a high-risk population, you should limit your potential exposure to others and the virus that causes COVID-19."
Improper glove use. “Not wearing gloves, or not immediately disposing of the gloves before touching the steering wheel," is a big mistake, Crystal Sciarini, N.D. student and member of the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians tells us.
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Not cleaning your hands after. "Not sanitizing your hands, and then touching any part of your face (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc.), puts you at risk of COVID-19 because your hands could be contaminated after touching bags that were touched by other people.
Getting too close to the delivery person. "When picking up for curbside delivery, don't get too close to whoever is delivering your food," warns health coach and acupuncturist Jamie Bacharach of Acupuncture Jerusalem. "As infectious bacteria is easily spread, keep your distance and wear a mask when within range of the delivery person."
