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6 Rules to follow for Safe Curbside Pickup

man enjoying pizza crust smile

6 Rules to follow for Safe Curbside Pickup

We are all getting tired of being at home, the pandemic seems to drag on. We still have our favorite restaurants and many are offering curbside pickup, thank goodness. But, we still need to be safe and protect ourselves, and our families. With these 6 rules to follow for safe curbside pickup during the pandemic, we can all be safe.

1. Review your order carefully.

Triple-check your order before placing it to minimize the number of trips you take to the store.

2. Wear a face covering and gloves.

The CDC recommends wearing a cloth covering over your mouth and nose, or a face mask, when out in public.  This is now mandatory in many states.

3. Use contactless payment.

Many stores will require you to pay for your order in advance of pickup. If that is not an option, try to use contactless payment when picking up your order since it minimizes physical contact with the workers delivering your order.

4. Remove your gloves and mask immediately after returning home.

Remove your gloves carefully, turning them inside-out so any contamination is on the inside. Discard, and wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Remove your mask, being careful not to touch your face. Wash your hands again before touching food.

5. Carefully transfer any takeout food to your own plates.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food, but there has been proof that the virus can live on containers and utensils for several days. After transfer, wash your hands thoroughly. You can also choose to wear a new pair of gloves when transferring your food.

6. Follow normal food safety procedures when eating.

Refrigerate your leftovers within two hours as per the CDC recommendations. It’s also best not to share utensils and cups with your fellow diners.

With these  6 rules to follow for safe curbside pickup, we can still enjoy our favorite restaurants and support our local community. We might be in a pandemic, but we can still find joy in the little things. Did we cover everything? What tips would you share? Leave the comments below. Like this post? Find more on our MoneySmart Tips Blog