Delhi Pizza Delivery Boy Tests Positive: How To Remain Safe While Ordering Food

72 people in a locality in Delhi's South District have been told to observe self-quarantine after a delivery boy associated with a famous pizza chain tested positive for COVID-19, a District Magistrate of South Delhi said on Wednesday. While this incident is worrisome, ordering food is considered safe as there is no evidence that the virus survives the cooking process. Here’s how you can ensure that you can enjoy the occasional treat while being safe.

New Delhi: 72 persons in a locality in Delhi's South District have been told to observe self-quarantine after a delivery boy associated with a famous pizza chain tested positive for Covid-19, a District Magistrate of South Delhi said on Wednesday. According reports by IANS, DM B.M. Mishra, said that a delivery boy from a famous pizza chain in Malviya Nagar area tested positive on Tuesday, following which the authorities immediately decided to quarantine his 16 colleagues at the outlet. A detailed trail was followed to identify each house where food was delivered by the outlet. He added that there was no need to panic, as he had informed all the delivery boys to use masks and follow the safety measures while executing a delivery. The decision to send all contact persons to quarantine was 'necessary' as a precautionary measure. The said delivery boy is now undergoing treatment at a hospital, while others who came in his contact are being monitored on a daily basis. Some of the orders from this outlet were also made through food delivery giant Zomato, which said that while all colleagues of the delivery boy have tested negative, as a precautionary measure, the restaurant has now suspended operations for the time being. "

" All the co-workers of the said rider have tested negative and as a precaution, the restaurant where the rider worked has suspended operations, "

-Zomato

" Ordering food is considered safe and there is no evidence that the virus survives the cooking process. According to the WHO report, ‘Experiences from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) show that transmission through food consumption did not occur. coronaviruses are thermolabile, which means that they are susceptible to normal cooking temperatures (70°C). To date, there have not been any reports of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus through food.’ Here’s how you can ensure that you can enjoy the occasional treat while being safe

• Trusted restaurants- Order from restaurants that have a proven track record for maintaining hygiene. Zomato and Swiggy are also marking these restaurants in their app.
• No contact Delivery- Food delivery apps and even restaurants are offering ‘no contact delivery’. The package will be delivered by the delivery person at an assigned spot or outside your home. You can then use safety precautions like using gloves and bring the package inside.
• Discard the package- Research says that the virus can survive on certain surfaces like cardboard and plastic, but it is rare to be infected with the virus from the packaging. But to avoid any untoward incidents, it is best to throw away the packaging and disinfect surfaces where the package was kept. While Handling the package make sure that you do not touch your face.
• Wash your hands- After you have discarded the packaging and are ready to eat, remember to wash your hands thoroughly. Keep the 20 second rule in mind!

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