With the coronavirus pandemic, many stores and restaurants now offer online ordering and curbside pickup. But before heading out to pick up an order – here are a few tips for safe curbside pickup.
Review your order carefully. Triple-check your order before placing it to minimize the number of trips you take to the store.
Wear a face covering. The CDC recommends wearing a face mask or cloth covering over your mouth and nose, when out in public. This is now mandatory in many states. Some businesses may require it, especially if you have to go inside to pick up your order.
Use contactless payment. Many stores and restaurants will require you to pay for your order in advance of pickup. If that is not an option, try to use contactless payment when picking up your order since it minimizes physical contact with the workers delivering your order.
Wash your hands. After picking up your order, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol or wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds when you get home.
For takeout food, carefully transfer it to your own plates. There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food, but there has been proof that the virus can live on containers and utensils for several days. After transferring, wash your hands thoroughly.
Follow normal food safety procedures. Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours as per the CDC recommendations. It’s also best not to share utensils and cups with your fellow diners.
Finally, with some stay-at-home orders still in place and other states starting to reopen businesses and restaurants, make sure to check the store’s website or social media pages for any changes to hours of operation and other updates.