Can I Get Coronavirus from Packages?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chances of contracting coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, from delivered packages is very low. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the virus was detectable for up to 24 hours on cardboard, but that no COVID-19 cases have been linked to contact with packages.

Do Delivery Conditions Affect the Ability of the COVID-19 Virus to Survive?

Alan Koff, MD, chief fellow of the infectious disease program at Yale School of Medicine said, “It’s likely that the temperature outside and the length of time the package is in shipping may impact the survival on that surface.” That’s not to say that the virus can’t ever be found on packages. According to Joseph Vinetz, a Yale University infectious disease specialist said that doesn’t mean it will infect you, saying, “Detection does not mean transmissible.”

Can I Get COVID-19 From Packages Delivered from China?

The World Health Organization said, “People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus.”

Can I Get COVID-19 From Touching Food, Food Packages, Or Food Contact Surfaces If the Virus Was Present on It?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there’s no current evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. It’s possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. For that reason, it’s critical to follow the four key steps of food safety – clean, separate, cook, and chill.

What Should I Do When A Package is Delivered?

Many companies like UPS and FedEx have stopped requiring in-person signatures for most package deliveries to follow social distancing guidelines. That said, there are other things you can do to make sure your package deliveries are safe:

• Avoid contact with the delivery person.
• Wear gloves when picking up your package or wash your hands directly after touching it.
• Place the package in a designated location in your house, or, if possible, outside on your porch for at least 24 hours before opening.

More Questions About Protecting Yourself and Your Family?

If you have more questions about the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, visit the CDC or Baptist Health websites.

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