The United States is months into the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal, state and local governments, have all imposed various restrictions and measures to help curb the spread of the virus.

Many restaurants, stores, and supermarkets have introduced protocols to keep their stores and employees safe from the threat of the coronavirus. The measures included plexiglass dividers, capacity limits, and face mask requirements.

As health officials and researchers discover new developments about the novel coronavirus, the food-safety guidelines also continue to evolve. We made an in-depth guide on how to stay safe while shopping, dining, and hosting potlucks amid the pandemic.

Will wearing gloves keep me safe from COVID-19?

In the early days of the pandemic, experts wondered whether the virus can be transmitted from surfaces such as grocery products and shopping carts.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, touching surfaces that have the virus and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose can transmit the disease. However, researchers are still learning more about how the virus spreads.

While gloves can protect your hands from the virus, it may give a false sense of security. Additionally, wearing gloves make hand hygiene tougher to maintain. It is always recommended to wear a mask and observe frequent handwashing to mitigate any risk of picking up any trace of the virus on surfaces.

Which is safer: reusable bags or single-use plastic and paper bags?

Many grocery chains forbid customers from using reusable bags when the virus first began in March. Most opted to use plastic and paper bags. But experts say reusable bags carry little to no risk of spreading the coronavirus. Contact among cashiers, baggers, and shoppers has more chance.

It is recommended that people should also wipe down the counter after every transaction, especially if the bags touch the floor in a public space. It is also encouraged to wash reusable bags frequently.

Can COVID-infected workers transmit the virus while packaging or shipping food?

Craig Hedberg, professor of environmental health sciences, said it is nearly impossible to catch the virus through plant workers. He also said the virus will likely be dead by the time it is delivered to stores and homes.

Is it safer to dine inside or outside?

Dining outdoors is better because the risk of infection is higher in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. Experts recommend wearing masks when diners aren't eating or drinking. Additionally, servers should always cover their faces whenever possible.

Is it safe to use restrooms in restaurants?

Experts have yet to link outbreaks to public restrooms. However, using shared bathrooms significantly increases the risk of infection. Flushing the toilet and turning on dryers can stir air movement.

People are advised to use paper towels instead of using dryers. Wearing masks, washing hands, and practicing social distancing from others is still the best way to fight the pandemic.

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