COVID-19 and Food Delivery
Can I get COVID-19 from getting food delivered? Or if I pay with cash?
Last updatedFebruary 11, 2021
Coronavirus: Check your symptoms
COVID-19 is mainly spread from one person to another person. It happens through respiratory droplets, like coughing or sneezing. The biggest problem with food delivery is the possible physical contact when you are given the bag. Protect yourself (and the delivery person) by asking to have the food left at the door.
Though less common, COVID-19 can be spread by touching an infected surface or object. So it can potentially be transmitted by money. Since cash is something that is often touched by many hands, it is better not to pay with money when you don’t have to. Pay instead through an app.
Cooked meals are generally fine, as long as they were handled safely by the restaurant. According to the FDA, there hasn’t been any known transmission of COVID-19 through food. Utensils and surfaces are considered more of a risk for transmission. The most important defense is to wash your hands before eating and after handling anything.
The scientific understanding of COVID-19 as well as guidelines for its prevention and treatment are constantly changing. There may be new information since this article was published. It’s important to check with sources like the CDC for the most up-to-date information.
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