Now that we’re all spending so much time inside the house, we’re also ordering takeout/delivery more than ever before. While this is great for keeping local restaurant businesses afloat, it may unfortunately pose a risk for bringing germs inside the house. We’re going to take a look at how to safely order takeout and food delivery, so you can put your mind at ease about enjoying your favorite meals from your local virus as we continue self isolation.

Select Contact-Free Delivery

If you’ve been ordering takeout as much as we have, you’ll notice that there are plenty of contact-free delivery options available on your favorite food delivery apps. Contact-free delivery has been put in place in order to not only prevent the likelihood of contracting COVID-19, but also to make us feel more comfortable in general.

CNet.com tells us why you should make sure you select contact-free or “leave delivery” options:

Place the Delivery Bags in Your Sink

Wondering what to do with your delivery bags once brought into the house? Most of us spend this period of time not being entirely sure where to set them down and then likely feeling like we set them down in the wrong place or experiencing the nagging feeling that we should have done something more.

Goodhousekeeping.com expands on what you should do with your delivery bags when you bring them into the house:

“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.”

Throw Out the Packaging

Have you previously been one to eat your takeout right out of the packaging? While this is certainly an action that the majority of us would previously have done, eating out of the packaging now presents possible hazards when it comes to germs.

The Verge explains why you’re better to throw out your packaging as soon as you can:

“The CDC says that there is a risk of getting the virus by coming into contact with a surface that has the virus on it. That’s why it’s best if you discard the packaging your takeout comes in as soon as possible and wash your hands straight after. Also, it’s probably good practice to avoid using the containers and utensils that the food came in (some experiments indicate that the virus could possibly remain viable on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on plastic for up to three days) and use your own instead. And it’s always a good idea to disinfect your counters and tables before and after eating.”

Last but not least, we think it’s important to state the obvious – wash your hands! If you’re looking to find the full menu online for your favorite restaurant that may not be on the delivery apps, we’ve got you covered. We provide dozens of top restaurant menus and their prices all in one place, making it easy to plan ahead. Take a look at our selection here!