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Can People Get COVID-19 from Food?

Can People Get COVID-19 from Food?

Several months after its emergence, we are still looking for ways to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic that has taken the world by storm. Today, lots of us are still bothered about the possibility of getting COVID-19 from the things that we eat at home or in restaurants.

Stop worrying as this article will provide a detailed answer to this question that might have been troubling you for some periods.

The risk of getting the virus from food is very low

Foremost, it is important to understand that the risk of getting the virus from food is significantly low. This means that you may not be able to contact COVID-19 from eating food or handling any food packages. So, you can rest assured that eating doesn’t expose you to the risk of getting the virus.

Generally, the risk is low because the virus spreads through respiratory droplets that are released by an infected person after talking, sneezing, coughing. In a few cases, it can also spread as an airborne disease. Therefore, unless an infected person releases droplets into your food, it is very unlikely that you will get COVID-19 from food.

Apart from your food, there is also no evidence that you can get the virus from drinking water. Besides, water is filtered and disinfected by water treatment facilities before sending it to various houses.

Observe all health measures to avoid getting COVID-19

Although it is an uncommon mode of transmission of the virus, touching the surfaces previously touched by an infected person can make you get COVID-19. Therefore, the virus may be able to stay on food surfaces for some time but it is not evident that you can get it from there. Nonetheless, you should observe some safety measures.

  • Food packaging and containers

When visiting an Italian restaurant or other restaurants, you should request no-contact takeout and delivery. Such a takeout will reduce the possibility of contracting the disease when receiving the ordered food.

In addition, you should always observe all food safety procedures. These include washing your hands for about 20 seconds with water and soap after receiving take containers and food packaging from another person. Afterward, put the food into a clean dish and clean your hands once more. Even after disposing of the food packaging and containers, make sure you wash and disinfect your hands and surfaces that might have contacted the containers.

  • Produce from the grocery store

The virus might stay on vegetables and fruits, but there is no evidence that it could spread to another person through them. However, you should still observe necessary food safety guidelines to reduce the risks.

You must always wash your vegetables and fruits under running water. Additionally, clean your hands with soap and water. Don’t forget to clean and disinfect the packages, containers, or bags for carrying the vegetables and fruits.

Again the risk of getting COVID-19 from food is almost non-existent. However, it is recommended that you take caution by observing food safety guidelines when preparing food, eating in an Italian restaurant, etc.