Experts sharing in a new article published in The New England Journal of Medicine that the virus that causes COVID-19 can live on surfaces anywhere from hours to multiple days. Here's what you can do to make sure your deliveries are as safe as possible, from advice published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the FDA.
How to safely order delivery:
- Place the delivery bag in your sink. Don't let it sit directly on other counter spaces in your kitchen or in the home. You can sanitize or disinfect your sink after the meal is over, and after you've thrown the delivery bag into the trash or recycling, along with any containers.
- Plate your food, or transfer it to another clean container in your kitchen. Be sure to avoid touching the food directly; use a clean utensil instead. Don't put any plastic, paper, or cardboard containers in your cupboard or your fridge, as it's unclear if cold temperatures can neutralize the virus currently.
- Wash your hands. You'll need to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before you sit down to eat your meal. At some point, you should also wipe down your sink with a disinfecting wipe.
(Good Housekeeping)