Is ordering takeout safe? Health experts say yes

With bars and restaurants across New York takeout and delivery-only, some customers are wondering if those remaining methods of ordering are safe enough.

News 12 Staff

Mar 17, 2020, 7:41 PM

Updated 1,501 days ago

Share:

With bars and restaurants across New York takeout and delivery-only, some customers are wondering if those remaining methods of ordering are safe enough.
New York ordered all bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms closed at 8 p.m. Monday, leaving the only options for state residents being stocking up from the grocery store or getting takeout.
At The View in Glen Cove, they have a takeout window for quick customer transactions, using restaurant staff to man the window as it offers its St. Patrick's Day menu. The staff is taking typical precautions and also even making sure their phones are sanitized.
But is it truly safe to get takeout? Health experts say yes.
"There's been no proof that prepared food spreads the virus," says Eric Sieden, director of food and nutrition at Plainview, Syosset and Glen Cove hospitals. "And a lot of food establishments already have protocols in place. They're highly regulated by the Health Department and these regulations are already there to help prevent the spread of norovirus, hepatitis A, influenza."
Health experts offered another tip: 140 degrees of heat kills most viruses. So reheating food at or above that mark could help put some minds at ease.
"If you want to keep your oven about 140, that prevents the spread of any bacteria or the virus or anything present. if you are going to reheat in the microwave, you want to reheat to 165 degrees. that might over-cook the food a little bit, but it's sure to be safe," says Sieden.
At Henry's in Glen Cove, the full staff is making deliveries and taking extra precaution.
"The store is sanitized twice a day, sometimes three times," says owner Joe Valensisi. "We start with the vestibule area, the doorways, in and out, bleach everything."
 
PHOTOS: The coronavirus' impact worldwide
undefined
 


More from News 12
2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:30
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village