It is only normal to feel worried about yourself and your family during these tough times, but to keep them safe, here are some crucial steps to follow as advised by the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
To Limit Corona Virus Exposure
-Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds and every time you leave the house and come back
-Keep social distancing of at least 2 meters.
-If you’re sick, your immune system is compromised, so stay home or wear a mask and gloves if you absolutely need to go out
-Cough or sneeze in your elbow
-Use your less dominant hand to carry things, press buttons etc., it’s proven that it reduces your chances to touch your face
To practice proper food safety at home
-Clean and disinfect all utensils
-Wash your hands, surfaces and fresh produce
-Separate all raw meats from the ready-to-eat foods
-Cook food well and to proper temperatures
-Refrigerate any leftovers no more than 2 hours after the dish is done
Ever wondered which foods should be washed and which shouldn’t?
Always wash:
- Fruits and Vegetables: no matter how they’re grown, organic or conventional, all fresh produce should be washed with cool tap water immediately before eating or using in a recipe. Skip the soap because the porous surfaces on fruits and veggies can absorb its ingredients. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce the chances of any virus or bacteria being present.
- Fruits and Vegetables with Inedible Peels: Oranges, bananas, avocados, lemons, and onions should also be washed even if their peel will not be eaten. Dirt, viruses and bacteria can be transferred from the peel to the inside of the fruit when sliced or peeled.
- Cans and Jars: Wash jar lids with soap before opening them to avoid harmful particles falling into the food and make sure to wash all cans before opening.
Never wash:
- Raw Chicken or Meat: Despite what many people think, washing raw chicken does not clean it. It actually may spread more harmful bacteria around the kitchen, which can potentially make you sick or cause food poisoning. The only way to kill those pathogens is to cook chicken and other meats to their appropriate internal temperature.
- Fish: Avoid washing raw fish because it doesn't clean the fish. Instead, it increases the chance of cross-contamination to other foods, utensils and surfaces.
- Eggs: Avoid washing eggs because it can remove the outer coating applied during processing that protects them from pathogens. You can just wipe off the dirt with a paper towel.
https://www.eatright.org/coronavirus
https://www.eatright.org/homefoodsafety/four-steps/wash/should-you-wash-all-food
