Yes, you can get food delivery or carry-out. But minimize contact.

Maybe you’re tired of cooking all of the time. Or perhaps you want to support a local business.  But is it safe to get food delivery or carry-out? Yes.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food, even fresh fruits and vegetables. As with grocery delivery, your chances of contracting COVID-19 through food delivery or while grabbing carry-out are low if you follow a few simple tips. 

• Pay online or using a mobile app. If you can’t do that, then use a card instead of cash.
• Make a note for the delivery person to ring the bell and drop off your order contact-free.
• For carry-out, wait in your vehicle and open your passenger window so the server can place the order inside without contact. 
• If you must enter the restaurant for carry-out, or if delivery contact is not avoidable, you should wear a cloth face covering.
• It’s possible for the novel coronavirus to be on your food’s packaging, but removing the food, discarding the packaging, and washing your hands before you eat are good ways to protect yourself. 

Last update:  April 21, 2020, 10:30 AM
Science review: ERS, JAB