Does the COVID-19 virus grow on food?
COVID-19 is a virus and does not grow. It may survive in foods and on surfaces for a few hours to a few days before it dies off. However, it is not believed that the virus is transmitted by eating contaminated food.
Does cooking kill the COVID-19 virus?
Normal cooking temperatures for foods will kill COVID-19 and other microbes in food. If you are especially concerned, you should thoroughly cook your food to an internal temperature of 74F will kill microbes in the food.
Is it okay to get takeout?
Food that comes from restaurants is safe, because the food industry already has high standards for food safety. To further protect yourself, wash your hands after handling takeout bags and containers, before you sit down to eat.
How can you protect yourself?
Good hygiene is your number one defense against getting the virus. You should wash your hands regularly, especially after using the washroom, and before and after handling food.
And, of course, it’s always wise to wash fruits and vegetables before consumption - whether there is a pandemic or not.