Is it possible to get infected with coronavirus if you order food at home

Is it dangerous to order food at home

The preliminary answer given by scientists is no, it's not dangerous. While none existCoronavirus: no evidence that food is a source or transmission route confirmation that the coronavirus could be transmitted through cooked food and food.

Scientists have carefully analyzed data collected during the outbreak of SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), the closest relatives of COVID-19. There were no cases of food contamination. Based on this experience, it can be assumed that the transmission of the new coronavirus through food is unlikely. In addition, such facts have not yet been recorded.Latest news from the CDC on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Nevertheless, some risks still remain. They are small, but they are worth considering. Here they are.

1. The virus can theoretically be transmitted through packaging

Although USDA specialists insist that cases of transmission of Wuhan coronavirus there are no products through the packaging, they still remind

Latest news from the CDC on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): SARS ‑ CoV ‑ 2, like other viruses, is capable of for some time (from a few hours to perhaps 9 daysPersistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents) survive on the surface of objects. This also applies to plastic bags, cardboard and plastic boxes.

When you touch an infected surfaces, the virus remains on the fingers. And it can enter the body if you touch your mouth, nose, eyes. This is not the main route of infection, but nevertheless it is quite real. Therefore, WHO and government health services in different countries strongly recommendCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public:

• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap. Do this before, during, and after cooking.
• Try your best not to touch your face with your hands - especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.

2. The virus can be picked up from the courier

And here the main route of infection is likely - airborne. Food delivery companies are at great risk because they are in contact with a large number of people. If the courier is sick, he can be contagious to others, including customers.

Therefore, try to keep contacts with the courier to a minimum. Pay for orders online to avoid paying in cash (banknotes can also have a virus). Ask to leave a box with your order at the door and pick it up when the delivery man leaves.

3. The virus can be transmitted through ready-to-eat foods

These dangerous products includeCOVID-19 (Coronavirus)e.g. loose bread, cakes, pizza, prepared salads.

Epidemiologist Stephen Morse of Columbia University reportedHow You Should Get Food During the Pandemic According to The Athlantic, cooked food itself is not dangerous. Even if the person who prepared and packaged it is sick, the food itself will not contain the virus. But with one caveat.

If someone sneezes on a salad, there is some chance of infection. However, if you order food from a manufacturer who strictly follows hygiene rules, the risk is very small.

In general, only order cooked meals from a vendor you trust.

What to do to reduce the risk of infection through food to almost zero

Ordering ready-made meals is safer than going to cafes or other catering establishments. But it is even better to prepare food from the delivered products yourself. In this case, you will be absolutely sure that no one sneezes into your salad and touches the pizza with dirty hands.

To keep yourself as safe as possible, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendsFood Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) follow the basic points of food safety4 Steps To Food Safety.

1. Strictly practice hygiene

Wash your hands, utensils, and kitchen surfaces frequently. Best of all is warm water and soap.

Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water (soap and other detergents are not needed), using a brush if necessary. Then blot them with a paper or clean cloth towel.

Pour the packed cereals into a container, then discard the bag and wash your hands.

Meat, poultry or packaging products marked as pre-washed, wash additionally do not.

2. Divide

Separate raw foods that will not be cooked from those that will still be cooked. They shouldn't touch.

For example, be sure to use different cutting boards for herbs (fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, sausages, cabbage for salad and other foods) and raw meat.

3. Conduct the correct heat treatment

Those foods that need to be cooked must be well done or cooked well. Bring soups or stews to a boil to be sure they are atThe Five Keys to Safer Food Program 70 ° C and above.

4. Monitor the quality of water and food

Cook only with clean water or additionally clean it with household filters. It is not necessary to boil waterCoronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater.

Make sure the food you use for cooking is fresh.