The decision to cook for family while infected with COVID-19 is a common dilemma, balancing the need to care for loved ones against the risk of viral transmission. The primary goal is to implement rigorous safety protocols that reduce the chance of spreading the virus within the household. While complete isolation remains the safest approach, this article provides actionable guidance for individuals who must prepare meals. Understanding the pathways of viral spread is the first step toward mitigating risk.
How COVID-19 Spreads During Meal Preparation
Scientific evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is not a foodborne illness. The virus is not transmitted through the consumption of food itself, and the risk of infection from eating a meal prepared by an infected person is negligible. Since the virus cannot replicate on food, the danger lies in the preparation environment, not the ingredients.
The main risk comes from person-to-person transmission within the confined space of a kitchen. When an infected individual is breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing, they release respiratory droplets and aerosols into the air. These airborne particles are the primary method of spread and can linger, especially in areas with poor airflow.
A secondary route of transmission is through contaminated surfaces, known as fomites. While preparing a meal, an infected person may touch high-touch surfaces like refrigerator handles, cabinet knobs, or countertops. If the virus transfers to these areas, an uninfected family member can become exposed by touching the surface and then their face. This dual risk of airborne and surface spread necessitates strict hygiene measures.
Minimizing Risk with Strict Kitchen Hygiene
The single most effective measure an infected person can take is wearing a high-quality respirator mask, such as an N95 or KN95. These respirators function as effective source control, blocking viral particles from escaping the breath. The mask must be well-fitting, covering both the nose and mouth completely, and worn for the entire duration spent outside of the isolation area.
Rigorous and frequent handwashing is the foundation of preventing surface contamination. Hands must be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before starting preparation, after handling raw ingredients, and before handling serving utensils. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Sanitizing all high-touch surfaces immediately after use is imperative for risk reduction. Kitchen surfaces, including counters, cutting boards, and appliance handles, should be wiped down with an EPA-approved disinfectant for use against SARS-CoV-2. These products are listed on the EPA’s List N and must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specified contact time.
Maximizing kitchen ventilation helps dilute lingering aerosols in the air. This is achieved by turning on the exhaust fan to its highest setting and opening a kitchen window, if possible, to promote air exchange. If an uninfected family member handles the meal transfer, they should wait for a period of time after the infected person has left the space before entering.
When to Stop Cooking and Seek Assistance
Although careful hygiene can reduce risk, an infected person must stop cooking in specific situations. Cooking should be delegated immediately if symptoms increase the likelihood of heavy viral shedding. This includes the onset of a new, continuous cough, which greatly increases the expulsion of airborne droplets, or experiencing a high fever.
Significant physical symptoms like shortness of breath, profound fatigue, or body aches also make cooking too physically taxing and unsafe. If an infected person is experiencing moderate symptoms, they should isolate for at least ten days, delegating all household tasks. In these cases, the focus must shift entirely to rest and recovery.
When cooking duties are transferred, or if the infected person is plating their own food, dedicated non-shared items must be used. Plates, cups, and utensils should not be handled by others until they have been thoroughly washed, ideally in a high-temperature dishwasher cycle. If ordering delivery, a non-infected family member should handle the transfer to the isolation space to maintain a strict no-contact protocol.