For meal delivery, are the restaurants providing the food doing anything to reduce risk of spread?

Yes! Restaurants are being vigilant about making sure their staffers are not coming to work sick. You have to remember, the restaurant industry has dealt with outbreaks before: norovirus, hepatitis A, influenza. They have protocols in place and have spent a lot of time preparing regulations and operating procedures. Many restaurants are doubling down on cleaning procedures, rearranging dining rooms to keep patrons at a distance from each other, and making it easier for people to carry out food.

We already mentioned wiping down plastic or glass surfaces of food products and washing all fruits and vegetables properly. In addition, many food delivery companies are taking social distancing further by offering “no contact delivery” options. This may protect both you and the person delivering your food and is a good step to take if you are able.

While dining is becoming more and more of an individual activity, it is important to think of those who are financially impacted. According to the National Restaurant Association, there are more than 15 million trained employees in the restaurant industry, many of whom live off of tips. Not to mention the restaurants operate with tight profit margins. With fewer and fewer patrons, these employees are watching their source of income dwindle. In addition, with more and more people being put on quarantine daily, many are left without sick leave and without options. According to the New York Times, there is no federal law requiring employers to provide paid, job-protected sick leave and only 59% of small business employees have it.

With this in mind, think about adding some extra dollars to your waiters or delivery people if you are able. Maybe even think about buying some gift cards to your favorite restaurants; you can help keep them in business and have a nice meal once everything calms down. Now more than ever it’s important to focus on your community (while also making sure to keep at least six feet away from it).