While far from conclusive, one recent study found that coffee drinkers were less likely than non-drinkers to test positive for covid-19. We prefer to see these kinds of findings appear in multiple studies before jumping to conclusions – but the findings are nonetheless interesting.

That said, numerous studies have found that coffee drinkers are generally at lower risk of developing severe disease than people who don't drink coffee. And please note – none of these studies were funded by this association.

There are no nationwide shortages of food, although in some cases the inventory of certain foods at your grocery store might be temporarily low before stores can restock. Food production and manufacturing are widely dispersed throughout the United States and no widespread disruptions have been reported in the supply chain.

FDA is closely monitoring the food supply chain for any shortages in collaboration with industry and our federal and state partners. We are in regular contact with food manufacturers and grocery stores. 

Source: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Yes, it is safe to buy and drink coffee. Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.  It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. CDC notes that in general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures. It is more likely that a person will be exposed by person-to-person transmission involving close contact with someone who is ill or shedding the virus.

Consumers can follow CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself, especially the advice on frequent hand washing  with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and frequent cleaning and disinfecting  of surfaces.  

If you are concerned about contamination of food and food packaging you have purchased from the grocery store, wash your hands after handling food and food packages when you return from the grocery store and after removing packaging from food. In addition, it’s always critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill – to prevent foodborne illness. FDA also has advice about safely selecting and serving raw produce.

Additional resources:

• FDA has set up a resource page about best practices to operate retail food stores, restaurants, and associated pick-up and delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic to safeguard workers and consumers.
•  FDA checklist: Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• FDA's Guide to Grocery Shopping Safely
• CDC [Video]: How to make a face mask
• EPA has a list of disinfectants to use against the new coronavirus.
• CNN [Video]: How to wipe down your groceries

Additional reading: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

• The New York Times has a comprehensive FAQ (free to access) on provisions benefitting individuals in the coronavirus relief package.
   
• File for unemployment insurance (UI): You should apply for UI as soon as possible after losing your job. Workers who file for unemployment will receive their state's regular unemployment payment amount, plus an additional $600 per week through July 31. The total number of weeks one can collect unemployment has been extended by 13 weeks, and freelancers and gig workers are also eligible.
  • Find your state’s unemployment benefits here.
  • The Department of Labor has issued Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities During COVID-19 Outbreak (scroll halfway down the page)

• Stimulus payment:  Most taxpayers with a Social Security number will automatically receive a tax rebate up to $1,200 ($2,400 if filing jointly) and $500 for each child under 17. The payments for individuals phase out beginning at $75,000, and those earning $99,000 or more will not receive a payment. The amount you receive is based on the adjusted gross income (AGI) reported in your 2019 tax return if you have already filed it; if you haven't yet filed it (the deadline to do so was extended to July 15, 2020), the amount you receive will be based on the AGI reported in your 2018 tax return. Taxpayers who filed electronically and have direct deposit information on file with the IRS will receive their payments more quickly than those who did not file electronically, as these individuals will be mailed a paper check. No action is required to receive payment, unless you did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019.
  • 4/16 update: The IRS has set up a "Get My Payment" portal for those who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019 but did not provide banking information, to submit direct deposit information so they can receive their stimulus payment electronically as opposed to receiving a check in the mail. 
  • The Washington Post has a calculator to help you estimate your payment. 
     
• Paid leave: The Department of Labor has a fact sheet for employees regarding expanded paid sick, family, and medical leave for employees, as well as a general Q&A.

VIDEO: How to help local coffee shops survive coronavirus

Sprudge: See Support Coffee Companies And Buy Their Merch and Support Local Coffee Shops And Staff By Filling Their Virtual Tip Jars.