COVID-19 cannot be contracted from food, San Antonio doctor says

Dr. Ruth Berggren answers your COVID-19 questions

SAN ANTONIOSAQ: If a waiter is not wearing a mask, can my food be infected with coronavirus?

Dr. Ruth Berggren with UT Health says there is no evidence showing it is possible to contract coronavirus from food nor that the virus can be transferred from a person onto food and then infect the person who ate the food.

“It’s much more likely that a respiratory droplet is generated as the person is speaking.” Berggren recommends all waiters and restaurant staff do not work if they are sick and wear a mask during their shift even if they feel healthy.

“The waiter should wear a mask because he or she might be sick and not realize it yet,” Berggren explained.

Watch her full interview on the News at 9 below.

Find more answers and ask your own questions on our SAQ page. Watch anchor Steve Spriester ask local leaders your questions weeknights at 6 p.m. on KSAT12 and 9 p.m. on KSAT-TV and KSAT.com. You can also sign up for our free SAQ newsletter to get answers to the most common questions in your inbox.


About the Author

A San Antonio native currently in her dream job as the executive producer behind KSAT special programming like Fiesta parades, Dia De Los Muertos and the Rodeo special. When she's not prepping for these productions, she's helping run KSAT's social media channels.

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