Now that the novel coronavirus is a pandemic, your friendly neighborhood fast food critic has devised this post to answer foodie questions and quell fears.
There’s no question that coronavirus has wreaked havoc on human society. From quarantines to canceled schools and events, life as we once knew it has been virtually suspended until the pandemic gets under control. This is the case within the fast-food industry, which has had to adjust on the fly to this new reality of living life with a coronavirus.
Naturally, people have been wondering if it’s safe at all to eat out and to quell those fears, your friendly neighborhood fast food critic will attempt to answer some frequently asked questions or concerns you have in mind.
1. Is it really safe to eat fast food during the coronavirus?
The short answer is yes. Most fast-food chains have resorted to rigorously cleaning and disinfecting their stores, using products certified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that will kill the coronavirus on the surface.
2. Why have Dunkin’ and Starbucks stopped using my cups for refills? I thought they were trying to be more ‘environmentally friendly?’
Starbucks and Dunkin’ made the call to stop refilling personal cups out of sanitary concerns for both the customer and the worker. For now, until the pandemic stabilizes, no one can get a refill of their cup of Joe in their personal cups. You’ll have to get it in one of their cups instead.
Both Dunkin’ and Starbucks have said that the refill price will continue to be honored for now, but one has to legitimately wonder how long that will last? Also to be questioned is their new-found environment stance, especially for Starbucks, which may have a hard time keeping up with their sustainability goals if they’re going through a mountain of cups on a daily basis.
3. Will fast food chains go to drive-thru only if it gets worse?
I’m not going to lie, it’s a possibility. In fact, just today, Starbucks is drawing up contingency plans that could call for some of its stores to go drive-thru only and implement “social distancing” in the U.S. and Canada in hard-hit areas such as Washington State if the coronavirus becomes worse.
Other chains could follow Starbucks’ lead. Already, some fast food outlets in big cities have time limits on how long a patron can sit in one of their stores (mainly because of growing homeless populations), and this may be enforced more rigorously and if the pandemic doesn’t show signs on slowing down by deep into the summer. Keep in mind, these will only be in effect if the coronavirus becomes worse, but just be prepared for this change just in case.
4. Will some fast-food chains be forced to close its doors for the time being?
It’s a possibility, but keep in mind, this is, by far, the worst-case scenario. Yum Brands China division closed up to a third of its stores during the height of the coronavirus outbreak there, as well as Starbucks and other fast-food chains.
While some may argue that something like that could “never happen here,” in light of all of the cancellations of events and limits on social gatherings, it would be wise for folks to change their thinking on this for the time being. Again, this extreme measure would only be limited to the hardest-hit areas, and any fast-food store closure will only be temporary.
5. What about employees? Has the coronavirus changed their working atmosphere?
Yes sir, buddy. Most fast-food chains are now requiring that their employees be re-trained on food safety. Also, employee hygiene could very well be more tightly enforced. That means hairnets for employees who don’t have hats, regular hand washing, using gloves to handle money, cleaning dining areas and bathrooms more often and so forth. There could also be more emphasis on employees staying home when sick.
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- The Maple BBQ and Bacon Quarter Pounder is back at McDonald’s
- Donna Kelce is headed to Raising Cane’s on Nov. 20th
The fast-food industry is notorious for forcing their employees to work sick (mainly by requiring doctor’s notes to return to work) and this has long been a public health concern. However, with the coronavirus raging on, there is a new push for workers, especially in the food service industry, to get paid sick leave and to waive some onerous requirements that bars workers from staying home while they’re ill.
6. Can fast-food outlets expect to see more inspections?
Yes, yes, and double yes. With a new eye on health and cleanliness, fast-food outlets can expect to see more inspections to see if their stores are up to local and state health codes. Employees should not take these inspections lightly, as healthy inspectors may well enforce health laws more strictly.
7. Is it safe to eat Chinese food?
Yes, it’s safe to eat Chinese food, for the 546742420394th time.
8. So Kareem, is it really safe to eat at fast-food restaurants, or are you just spitting out hot air to us?
Yes, it really is safe to eat at fast-food restaurants. For some simple tips, carry some hand sanitizer and make sure you wash your hands before you eat, just like you do at home. Also, look at a restaurant’s health grade to make sure that the location is making the grade.
In some respects, fast food outlets have never been cleaner, and these practices could linger well past the coronavirus panic phase. Just make sure you’re doing your part to help keep everyone healthy and don’t panic, we got this.
Happy eating!