The concern about the safety of receiving packages has grown alongside the increasing reports of COVID-19 cases among warehouse and delivery workers. A key question arises: can the coronavirus survive on packages, particularly cardboard, and potentially transmit the virus to you?
Understanding the Likelihood of COVID-19 Transmission from Packages
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of contracting coronavirus from packages is considered low. However, this doesn’t eliminate the possibility entirely. “The virus is generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets that are transmitted by sneezing and coughing,” explains Dr. Elliot Frank, an infectious disease specialist.
A reassuring factor is the shipping duration. Packages typically spend days or even weeks in transit, potentially reducing the virus’s ability to survive, especially if exposed to varying environmental conditions within a warehouse. The greater risk may lie in the brief period between the delivery person’s handling and the package’s arrival at your doorstep.
“Even if your delivery person or mail carrier isn’t experiencing symptoms, they still may be carrying the virus and unknowingly spreading bacteria,” Dr. Frank adds. This highlights the importance of vigilance when handling items that others have recently touched and taking appropriate preventive measures.
How Long Does Coronavirus Last on Surfaces Like Cardboard?
A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicated that the coronavirus can remain viable on cardboard for up to 24 hours. This finding initially heightened concerns about the safety of handling packages.
Besides cardboard, the study examined the virus’s survivability on other common surfaces:
- Air: Up to 3 hours
- Copper: Up to 4 hours
- Stainless Steel: 2-3 days
- Plastic: Up to 3 days
These survival times can vary based on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. This knowledge is important for understanding potential contamination risks.
Safe Package Handling: Steps to Minimize Risk
To safely manage packages and mail delivered to your home, consider the following steps:
- Avoid Direct Contact: If possible, maintain distance from the delivery person during drop-off.
- Delay Handling: Allow the package to sit untouched outside for a few hours to further reduce potential virus viability.
- Disinfect the Exterior: Lightly spray the package with an aerosol disinfectant before bringing it inside.
- Discard Outer Packaging: Immediately dispose of the outer packaging in a trash receptacle.
- Hand Hygiene: Thoroughly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after handling any packages.
- Surface Disinfection: Disinfect any surfaces the package may have come into contact with.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Refrain from touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after handling packages until you have washed your hands.
Staying Informed and Prepared
As understanding of COVID-19 transmission evolves, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest recommendations from reputable sources such as the CDC and WHO. Practicing good hygiene and being mindful of potential risks are key to protecting yourself and your family.
