To stop the spread of COVID-19, states across the country, including Minnesota, have ordered businesses and restaurants to close. For many, this has affected where they eat. Yet, many eateries are shifting to take-out windows and delivery options to help serve their communities. If you’re wondering how you can still order from your favorite place and keep everyone safe, here are several aspects to know.

How to Safely Order Carry-Out During COVID-19

1. Request No-Contact Delivery

With many restaurants and sports bars now offering take-out and delivery options, you can enhance your social distancing by requesting no-contact food deliveries. If this is an option, include your tip when you pay with a credit card and give specific directions on where to leave your order. With these added precautions in place, you can ensure your safety as well as those whose occupations are still considered essential.

2. Throw Out Packaging ASAP

According to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can live on some surfaces for several days; you could unknowingly bring it into your home with those carry-out orders.

To mitigate the spread and keep everyone safe, discard the take-out packaging as soon as you can. Instead of eating directly from the pizza box, use plates. Also, put your chow mien into a bowl of your own rather than leave it in the cartons.  

3. Wash Your Hands 

Before you indulge in your food order, remember to wash your hands, especially if you did have contact with the driver. Washing your hands before every meal is an important practice, but it is even more emphasized now.

Touching the doorknob and the pizza box or paper sack that your food came in can leave your hands with lingering contaminants. Washing your hands before you eat ensures you don’t consume any germs.

Residents throughout Washington County, MN, know where to get a good, hardy meal: from Bungalow Inn in Lakeland. This family-owned and -operated restaurant is popular for their wine selections and menu that includes smoked baby back ribs, delicious steaks, and seafood options. To order your next dinner or lunch special, give them a call at (651) 436-5005. You can also view all of their options online.