Tips on Buying Fast Food Through Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people preferred ordering food from restaurants via the delivery service because it was more practical. However, you need to be careful. To stay safe from exposure to the Corona virus, there are things you need to pay attention to when buying food using a courier service.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that you consume self-cooked food at home because it is more sanitary and nutritious. However, sometimes you might not have time to cook or get bored with food at home and want to enjoy the food menu at your favorite eating place.

Because everyone is encouraged to stay at home and some regions have also implemented PSBB (Large-Scale Social Restrictions) so that most restaurants do not serve eating on site, many people end up using telephone delivery services or applications to buy food.

Even so, you need to pay attention to the cleanliness of the food ordered and its delivery procedures, so there is no transmission of the Corona virus when you transact, accept and open food packages, and consume the food.

Is Corona Virus Transmitted Through Food?

There are studies that show that the Corona virus can survive on the surface of certain objects for some time. On the copper surface, this virus can last for 4 hours, while on the surface of objects made of cardboard, the Corona virus can last for 24 hours.

The virus that causes COVID-19 can even last up to 72 hours on the surface of plastic and stainless steel. This means that a person can become infected when touching contaminated objects, then touching the face area without washing hands.

However, the risk of transmission of Corona virus infection through this method is somewhat smaller. Until now, the most common mode of transmission of the Corona virus is through direct contact with sputum sputum when COVID-19 sufferers sneeze or cough.

As long as you take Corona virus prevention steps and always maintain cleanliness, you don't need to be afraid to touch objects made of plastic, cardboard or copper, including food packaging ordered.

In addition, there is no evidence that the Corona virus can be transmitted through food. According to information released by WHO, the Corona virus cannot multiply in food. To survive, this virus needs a host, which is a living cell of a human or animal.

How to Maintain Personal Hygiene When Receiving Orders from Couriers

Although the risk of Corona virus transmission through food is very small, you are still advised to cook food yourself at home because it is healthier. It is also important to reduce physical contact with others.

If you want to order food from outside, apply the following steps to minimize the risk of Corona virus infection:

1. Pay without cash ( cashless )

Try not to pay for food with cash or debit or credit cards when you order food through the delivery service. You can make a payment method with a digital wallet available in the application or transfer money online to an account number specified by the seller.

2. Apply physical distancing.

Ask the courier to leave the food you ordered at the door or hang it on the fence (contactless delivery). This is done as a form of physical distancing and to minimize physical contact with the courier.

3. Wear a mask when interacting with couriers

If you cannot pay for an order with a digital wallet or have to pay for orders directly with money, wear a cloth mask when you are dealing with a courier and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

4. Wash hands before and after taking food

Before taking food, wash your hands with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.

After taking food, don't forget to wash your hands again to remove any dirt or viruses that might still be sticking to your hands.

5. Discard food packaging

After you receive the food, immediately dispose of the plastic used to wrap the food. After that, wash your hands again with running water and soap or use a hand sanitizer

6. Move food

Move food immediately to another container before eating. If possible, you can reheat food that has been ordered. This is important to kill the Corona virus, which may stick to food, while making it delicious.

If you order raw vegetables or fruits, wash them first with running water and special soap for vegetables and fruit before transferring them to the prepared container. For frozen food or raw food ingredients, such as meat and fish, use separate containers to store them in the freezer

As mentioned earlier, hand washing is an important step in preventing transmission of COVID-19. Wash your hands before preparing and eating food.

Not only restaurants, now there are many traditional markets, minimarkets, and supermarkets that offer delivery services. This service allows you to stay home to break the chain of transmission of the Corona virus. However, still use the methods above to protect yourself from this virus, yes.

Whatever you choose, cook your own food at home or order ready-to-eat food from restaurants, try to keep eating healthy and nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutrition is needed to maintain your body's immunity to be strong against disease.

If you have questions about Corona virus infection or other health problems, you can chat directly with the doctor on the ALODOKTER application. If you need a direct examination from a doctor, you can also make an appointment with a doctor in the hospital through this application.

Label : Healthy life cat_Healthy life