Is There a Risk of Getting Coronavirus from Employees at Drive-Thru Windows?

During these challenging times, one of the most asked questions is how safe it is to visit the drive-thru for food. This article aims to address concerns about the possibility of contracting coronavirus from employees working at drive-thru windows.

Understanding the Risks

Coronavirus, or similar infectious diseases, can be transmitted through various means, including direct contact with an infected individual or touching surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person. When you visit a drive-thru for food, there are indeed risks associated with contact and shared surfaces. This includes items such as card machines, cash transactions, packaging, and food handling.

It is worth noting that the specific risk can vary based on several factors, including employee health status, hygiene practices, and the overall cleanliness of the drive-thru area. Even so, it is crucial to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to mitigate the risk.

The Role of Employee Health and Hygiene

When employees fall ill, they can leave behind viral particles on surfaces they touch. Card machines, packaging, and other shared equipment can potentially serve as vectors for the spread of the virus. However, for these particles to be a significant risk, several factors must align. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying periods, ranging from a few hours to a few days depending on the surface type and environmental conditions.

Taking Precautions to Minimize Risk

One of the easiest and most effective ways to minimize the risk of contracting coronavirus from a drive-thru employee is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after receiving your food, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol can also be used.

Besides hand hygiene, you can adopt additional precautions to further reduce the risk:

Sanitize the Card Machine: If you plan to use a card machine, consider sanitizing it with an alcohol-based wipe before and after use. This simple step can significantly lower the risk of incidental virus transmission. Minimize Contact with Packaging: Try to minimize direct contact with food packaging. Use gloves if available, and dispose of the packaging safely afterward. Segregate Handling: When possible, request that your food items be placed in separate bags to prevent cross-contamination. Ensure that no one else touches your food while it is being handed to you.

Alternative Measures for Enhanced Safety

For those who feel particularly cautious, here are additional steps you can take:

Take Food Home: Instead of consuming the food immediately, take your items home and unpack them on your own plates. This approach minimizes the risk of contamination by handling fewer shared surfaces and reducing exposure time. Heat Up the Food: After unpacking, heat up the food to the appropriate temperature to kill any potential pathogens, including the virus. Use Contactless Payment: Opt for contactless payment methods when available to reduce direct contact with shared surfaces. However, even if you use these methods, ensure that your hands are clean before handling any food.

In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of contracting coronavirus from employees at drive-thru windows, the actual risk is relatively low if you take appropriate precautions. Prioritizing hand hygiene, minimizing unnecessary contact with surfaces, and considering alternative safety measures can significantly enhance your confidence when dining out.