Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?

Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day use a tissue to cover your coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object, like a packaging container, that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging.

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1. Is there a travel advisory for New York State?
2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
3. Can I get tested for COVID-19?
4. Can COVID-19 be prevented?
5. Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?
6. Can COVID-19 be treated?
7. Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
8. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
9. What is antibody/serology testing, and can I be tested using this method?
10. Can recovered COVID-19 patients donate plasma?
11. What is the NY State guidance for cloth face coverings?
12. What is the NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidance for face coverings in the workplace?
13. What cleaning products should I use to protect against COVID-19?
14. Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19?
15. What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19?
16. Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?