The more you interact with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. Just because restaurants are open for indoor sit-down eating doesn’t mean that it is safe! The risk of COVID-19 spread increases in a restaurant or bar setting as follows:

Lowest Risk

Food service limited to drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick up.

More Risk

Drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick up emphasized. On-site dining limited to outdoor seating. Seating capacity reduced to allow tables to be spaced at least 6 feet apart.

Even More Risk

On-site dining with both indoor and outdoor seating. Seating capacity reduced to allow tables to be spaced at least 6 feet apart.

Highest Risk

On-site dining with both indoor and outdoor seating. Seating capacity not reduced and tables not spaced at least 6 feet apart.

What About the Food Itself?

Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 through food.

There is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at room, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.

Your biggest risk, especially if you are ordering takeout, is most likely the person who delivers your food.

Physical distancing should still be in place, even if your contact is brief.

There is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.