Do you need to sanitize and disinfect the groceries and packages you recieve at home? We tell you the correct way

      

                 With social distancing and self-isolation becoming the new reality of the human race, people across the globe are cooped up in their houses. While we are trying our best to avoid all contact with the outside world in a bid to control the spread of novel coronavirus, outside items still pave their way in our households.

             From dairy, fruits, vegetables to groceries, there are plenty of products delivered at our doorsteps which aren’t exactly sterile. While we have clear guidelines about washing our hands, wearing face coverings and social distancing, what exactly needs to be done with the packages, mail and food items that we get from outside?

            How long does the novel coronavirus last on various surfaces According to the World Health Organization, it is not certain how long the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) lasts on various surfaces. As per certain studies, it may remain on surfaces for a few hours to a few days. For guidance, the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) also looked at previous coronaviruses and said, “In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.”

            However, the question still remains whether or not you should sanitize the surfaces or packages that have come from outside. To answer this, WHO has advised to clean the surface with simple disinfectant and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

What should you do if you think a surface is infected?

             It is important to remember as per CDC, “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 own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”

              Hence, taking precautions and being extra-cautious with sanitizing and disinfecting whatever items you are bringing inside your home is advisable if not absolutely necessary.

Here is what you can do:

1. Make sure to opt for contactless delivery whenever possible. You may also opt to wear face coverings and hand gloves if contactless delivery is not an option or request the delivery to be left on stairs.

2. Dispose the outer packaging of the item/product before you enter your home.

3. Place all the packages and containers on the floor or wash basin, instead of tabletops. Clean the floor and sink with a disinfectant afterwards.

4. Throw away all the delivery bags, boxes and containers after transferring the items to their respective places.

5. You can clean the surface of the package with a simple disinfectant and leave it to dry.

6.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You should take a shower if you have been out grocery shopping.

7. If you are still worried about infected surfaces, you may leave your mail and packaged products (non-perishable) outside for 24 hours before using them.