Can I Get Coronavirus from My Food Delivery Person?

The concern is understandable, especially given the precautions we must take amid the ongoing pandemic. If the delivery person spends more than a few seconds in your house, there is some risk. However, if they come to your door, quickly hand over the food without entering, and you wash your hands and discard or clean the container, the risk is nearly zero.

Wearing a mask and gloves when receiving food from a delivery person is a good practice. Maintaining a safe distance is also crucial. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce any potential risk.

Thank you for asking this important question. Here are some additional details and insights to address your concern.

Understanding the Risk

Even in a chance encounter at the door, there is very little to worry about regarding exposure to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. If the delivery person is not infected, they cannot pass something they don't have in the first place.

According to studies, becoming infected would require being in close contact with an infected person, not wearing a mask, and in a closed space for almost an hour (50 minutes). This is further supported by an incident that occurred early in February, where an unknowingly infected person in a church choir practiced for an hour, resulting in 48 out of 60 choir members contracting the virus.

The takeaway is that maintaining a mask when in public spaces is essential, but this precaution is more necessary when inside buildings open to the public rather than at the front door during a brief delivery encounter.

Defensive Measures

If you feel comfortable asking the delivery person to wear a mask, instruct them to leave the food on the doorstep and maintain a distance. If the delivery person is not willing to comply, it's best to speak to their manager. You have every right to protect yourself as much as possible.

While it's a rare scenario, even if both you and the delivery person wear masks and maintain a safe distance, there is still a small chance of becoming infected. For instance, if you handle a disposable mask and the mask becomes contaminated, it could potentially transmit the virus.

Key Points to Remember

Wearing a mask and gloves during food delivery Maintaining a safe distance Discarding or cleaning the delivery container after transferring food Cleaning your hands immediately after the delivery Ensuring the delivery person wears a mask (if possible) Not using a contaminated mask

By following these guidelines, you can minimize your risk of exposure to the coronavirus from food delivery people. Stay vigilant and stay safe!