Good news, many of your favorite restaurants are delivering with reduced rates for through apps like Door Dash, Grub Hub and Delivery.com.

With restaurants in cities all over the country forced to close to dine-in customers in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, delivery might be the only option to get a meal from your favorite establishments. But is it safe for you or the delivery person? Sure, as long as you keep a few precautions in mind.

The Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration hasn’t found that the coronavirus can be transmitted through food. But it can live on surfaces, so make sure to wash your hands after handling take-out containers. Pay on the delivery app so you and the driver don’t have to handle cash. But if you do tip with cash (which you should toss a bit extra right now), just make sure to wash your hands after.

Don’t want to pay delivery charges and want to pick up from the restaurant in person? When you call in your order, ask about curb side pick up. I talked to my friends who own Grand Cafe in Bloomington, and they were planning to offer bringing your order to your car parked at the curb. You could pop the trunk or take the yummies through your window like a make shift drive thru. This would require having your order paid for in advance on the phone or online with a credit card.

AND PLEASE TIP FOR TOGO ORDERS! Those servers missing your tips for table service are working hard to take your phone orders and package it for pick up or delivery. They have earned a gratuity and need your support during these tough times.

Susan Saunders 3/16/20