The novel coronavirus may persist on objects/surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, depending on different conditions such as temperature or humidity of the environment[1].
Do I need to disinfect my packages?
The CDC’s advice[2] on “protecting yourself” does not include any directions on disinfecting packages. Its general advice stands: Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people.
Be a little more watchful
– Organize yourself and make a buying checklist
– Opt for online payment modes. Avoid handling cash or cards
– If possible, one person may place a combined order on behalf of the family
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While receiving the orders
– Keep a distance of at least 1 meter (an arm’s length) with the delivery persons
– Ask the delivery person to leave the package at your door (it’s for their safety too!)
– If available, opt for the option of contactless delivery
– Let only one family member receive any package
– If you can, remove outer packaging and throw it directly in the trash
– Do not hold the package against your clothes
After receiving your orders
– Do not pass the package through multiple hands.
– Do not move it to multiple places, pick one place to put the package.
– Wash your hands after receiving and opening the package.
– Keep a hand sanitizer always handy while handling packages.
1mg Super Tip: On the way to picking up your package, avoid touching “frequently touched surfaces,” such as an elevator button, doorknobs on the front door, or the touch screen pen used to sign a package.
**Consult India’s best doctors here**
And we repeat: WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
To Sum Up:
-Switch to Online Payment Modes
-Unwrap and immediately discard the outermost packaging
-Wash your hands afterwards
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Varun Gupta, MD Pharmacology and Dr. Ashish Ranjan, MD Pharmacology)
Recommended Reads:
Can Cash Handling Put YOU At Risk Of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus: All Your Questions Answered!
References:
1. Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19). The World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
2. How to Protect Yourself. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html