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As some restaurants begin reopening, you might be wondering how safe it is to start dining out. First, it’s important to note that the reopening restaurants are abiding by local government recommendations mostly by reducing their capacity or by sticking to outdoor seating. With that in mind, sticking to restaurants you know and trust is a good idea if you feel nervous about eating out.
However, it’s also important to consider what you will order when eating out–and if there are any foods you should avoid. With that in mind, keep reading for what the experts have to say when it comes to dining out.
The CDC says, "Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food."
However, if you are nervous, Dr. Lina Velikova, MD, Ph.D., medical advisor at Supplements101, says that sticking to hot food is a good rule of thumb.
She explains, "My best advice would be to order anything that is hot and is cooked in the oven. High temperatures disintegrate COVID-19 pretty quickly, so anything that was baked or nuked for a few minutes should be 99% safe to eat."
"So next time you go to the restaurant, try to order anything that is oven-baked to reduce your chances of COVID-19 infection," she continues.
The way you eat is also important. Leann Poston, M.D., M.B.A., M.Ed. at Ikon Health, explains, "There is a possibility of getting COVID if an infected person touches your silverware or plate and then you touch it and touch your eyes or nose."
She continues, "With that in mind, I would avoid salad bars as many people would be touching the utensils and the plates. Avoid buffets for the same reason."
She also advises that you use a straw for any drinks: "All drinks are probably at equal risk because someone is touching the glass before giving it to you so I would avoid touching the glass yourself by using a straw."
