CAN I EAT THE VIRUS?

Precautions to take when ordering food from delivery services

- MICA ARANETA

With Metro Manila still under quarantine, one of the heaviest concerns of people stuck at home is where to get food. A lot of people right now rely on food delivery services for their day-to-day meals. With food courier services reinstated and catapulted to the frontlines, people also question if it is safe. Not just for the riders but for the actual food and, ultimately, for the eaters. Based on current medical recommendations, here are a few suggestions for the food delivery system.

How is the virus spread?

The current consensus in the medical field is that COVID-19 is transmitted primarily through the respiratory droplets of an infected person, which is why close contact with other people is highly discouraged. Social distancing is important. Please observe it. How does this translate to food delivery services? During transactions with the food couriers, both of you should be wearing masks. This keeps you both safe by minimizing the spread of respiratory droplets. Keep transactions as brief as possible, and both parties must keep masks on at all times.

Respiratory droplet spread is increased indoors. A second recommendation is, therefore, to receive deliveries from food couriers in open spaces. For those of you living in condominiums and apartment buildings, please put on a mask and go downstairs. It is safer for everyone involved, including the people who live in the building with you.