While Ohio communities reopen with caution, keeping COVID-19 cases down means having to minimize human contact as much as possible, especially when ordering food from local restaurants. Fortunately, takeout and carryout options make it very easy to get a quality meal safely. If you want to order lunch or dinner for your home, here are five ways you can help minimize the spread of the coronavirus when you pick up a carryout order from your favorite establishment.   

5 Safe Tips for Ordering Carryout During the Pandemic

1. Wear a Face Mask

Wearing a face covering can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting viruses between people. By wearing a mask, it becomes much more difficult for pathogens to enter your mouth or nose. And if you happen to be an asymptomatic carrier of the coronavirus, your mask will help prevent the germs from spreading to other people. 

2. Order During Slower Times

Crowds, especially those indoors or at large events, heighten the risk of virus transmission due to the close proximity of people. Ordering outside of peak hours will give you a better chance of avoiding a crowd when it’s time to pick up your order. If you’re not sure what time will be the slowest, call the restaurant ahead of time and follow their recommendations for scheduling.

3. Follow Social Distancing Rules

When in public, people are encouraged to stand at least six feet apart from others, as this distance helps slow the spread of germs from person to person. As such, you should continue to practice social distancing when you go to retrieve your pickup order. Once you arrive, follow all restaurant signage to make sure you’re standing in a safe location and picking your food up from a designated area.

4. Change Clothes Upon Arrival

Once you arrive back home with the carryout, your first step should be to remove all exposed clothing you were wearing on your outing. Immediately place these items in an isolated laundry hamper or directly into a washing machine. Taking this step will help lower the possibility that you’ve brought germs home via your clothes.

5. Wash Your Hands Immediately

After you arrive home, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds to kill any pathogens that may be on the skin. Next, unpack all food items and make sure to remove them from their packaging. Throw the packaging away and wash your hands again to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus and other pathogens.

If your quarantine experience has been loaded with cravings for slow-smoked barbecue, turn to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit for a satisfying meal that you can enjoy at home. Dedicated to serving customers and maintaining public health, this Amelia, OH restaurant follows the recommended guidelines for COVID-19 prevention, including frequent staff hand-washing and social distancing in the workplace. To learn more about their selections, check out this venue’s appetizing menu online. If you would like to place a carryout order, call (513) 802-2700 to speak with a friendly team member.