Pamela
Because of
stay-at-home protocols most of us are now opting for delivery of food,
household items, and grocery. This option is safer because we do not have to
risk exposure outside. But oftentimes deliveries are packaged with cardboard or
plastic items. Do we need to be extra
careful of sanitizing these? Read on to learn more.
What is the importance of sanitizing your parcels?
The World Health Organization stated on their website that it is possible to transmit the virus through surfaces and
objects that an infected person coughed, sneezed on, or touched after doing so.
Healthy people that touch these objects and then their eyes mouth and noses
have the possibility to catch the virus. Centers For Disease Control And
Prevention agrees with this but says that close contact from person to person still
remains the most common way to contract the virus.
A study was done by the New England Journal of Medicine, which examined
how long the virus can stay on objects. Results show that the virus can stay on
copper for 4 hours, cardboard for 24 hours, and on stainless steel and plastic
items for 3 days.
The idea that viruses can stay on objects means that we should
always be vigilant in disinfecting and sanitizing the items that we touch.
What is the proper way of sanitizing your parcels?
It is important to sanitize your home even before receiving a
parcel. If possible, find ways so you can limit contact and exposure to the
virus. We listed down below the proper ways you could do before, during, and
after opening a parcel.
Before receiving a parcel
Make some effort to decrease your risk of acquiring the virus by
implementing safety strategies early on.
·
Set a designated place for deliveries
A delivery man will go
through many houses before yours. In order to limit contact with other people,
set a designated place at your entrance as a spot where parcels can be placed.
If you don’t have enough space then a chair will do. You first maintain social
distance as the delivery personnel places the package in the designated area.
After that, he will then step back to a safe distance and then you can place
your payment in the same area. Finally, you can obtain your package and then
step back so he can get your payment. Some companies already implement this
rule in order to prioritize the safety of both their employees and customers.
·
Wear a mask when interacting with delivery personnel
Sometimes you have to
interact with the delivery personnel when you have inquiries. Even if you do
maintain social distancing, always wear a mask and face shield for additional
safety.
·
Opt for cashless payment
To further limit contact
with other people, take time to inquire about contactless options. These
include credit card or debit card payment in advance before you get your parcel.
·
Leave your parcel for some time
If you are not in a hurry,
it is also recommended to leave your parcel for some time in a well-ventilated
area. Parcels often come in cardboard or plastic packaging so make sure to
leave them for 24 hours or 3 days.
When opening your parcel
There are many kinds of deliveries which mean there are also
different ways to sanitize. This depends if you have plastic or cardboard
packaging, or receiving perishable or non-perishable items. Below are some
reminders on opening packages.
·
Wear a mask
For additional protection,
always wear a mask when opening your delivery. Avoid touching your eye, nose,
and mouth area.
·
Disinfect the packaging
This step is for added safety only as you should immediately throw
away the packaging after opening. Use 70% alcohol or disinfecting wipes with
the same amount to wipe.
·
Disinfect the contents
The person who shipped your items may or may not be infected, so
it is not a bad idea to also disinfect the items inside. Be careful in wiping
gadgets and tech items.
·
Handling food products
Most grocery products are packed in plastic. You can either
disinfect it through alcohol wipes or remove the contents and transfer them
into your own container. Just be careful and sanitize your hands first after
opening the package. This is why it is useful to leave your items first for
some time in order to let the virus die on its own.
·
Rinse Fruits And Vegetables
Do not wash fresh produce with soap. Instead, rinse it with cool
water and clean thoroughly. Put easily perishable items in the freezer to
prevent bacteria from forming.
After opening the parcel
Now that you’re done disinfecting the inside and outside of your
parcel, the last step is to clean up the mess.
·
Throw away the packaging
To limit the virus in your home, throw away the packaging
immediately. If you didn’t sanitize it first then the virus could stay on it.
·
Sanitize your hands and the area you used
Disinfect the area where you receive and open your deliveries.
Make sure to wash your hands properly and thoroughly. Change your clothes if
you put the parcel near your body.
Key Takeaway
Deliveries are one of the ways we can get our daily needs while
staying at home. But to always be safe, it is important to always sanitize the
cardboard and plastic items that package our parcel. Follow the steps above to minimize your
risk of the virus.
