What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus & Your Packages

Because of the recent pandemic, many are practicing extra precautionary measures to keep themselves safe. Social distancing and self-isolation are now habits that most people are incorporating in their “new normal” lives. Since it’s quite dangerous to go outside and run some errands at this time, many purchase their groceries and other necessities online. Although you are lowering your risks of getting the virus by staying home, you should know that the delivered packages aren’t exactly sterile.

When you order products online, these items have been touched by multiple people before it reaches you. Someone from the shop or warehouse held your package, and a bunch of people touched it at the packing and shipping company during transit. Finally, someone hands you the box. With this knowledge, what should you do to stay safe? Here are things you need to know about the virus and your packages:

Can the coronavirus live on my packages?

If purchasing products online is your new routine, you should know that the coronavirus can survive on different material types. 

Depending on the type of material, the virus has different lifespans on surfaces. The coronavirus can survive for the least amount of time on paper, which is about three hours. On cardboard material, the virus can stay alive for 24 hours. Meanwhile, on wood, cloth, stainless steel, and plastic, the virus can live for two to three days. Finally, the virus can survive on glass and paper money for four days.

Should I disinfect my packages?

Regardless of the products’ material and if it has been in transit for weeks, it is still so much better if you disinfect your product before using it. 

Although the virus is transmitted through tiny droplets in the air excreted by an individual with the virus, it is still possible for you to get the virus by touching surfaces with these droplets. When you touch a surface with coronavirus droplets and touch your mouth, eyes, or nose, you’ll be able to get the disease. This is similar to when you are exposed to the virus when it is airborne. 

If you’re going to handle packages, it is best to disinfect the box and the product, and immediately wash your hands. It is also good to remember to disinfect frequently touched surfaces around your home after touching the products like doorknobs or light switches. It’s always better to be extra careful and not be clumsy about your safety and the people around you.

Do packing and shipping companies have a coronavirus protocol?

It is good to know that it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep everybody safe. Many packing and shipping companies practice safety protocols to protect their employees, your packages, and their customers from the disease.

These delivery workers are put on high risk in contracting the disease because they are exposed to multiple people and material that may have the virus. Some companies have an option for the recipient to choose contactless deliveries, which means you can leave instructions for your delivery worker before receiving the package.

Since delivery workers are at high risk of getting the virus, many companies have prioritized their employees’ safety. They do this by adding additional practices and asking them to seek medical help immediately should they get any symptoms. This way, they will stop getting and spreading the disease to the rest of the people around them.

Conclusion

Even if your package has been on the road for days and the virus has most likely died, it is always best that you remain cautious about the items you are handling. Packing and shipping companies are doing their best to help you stay safe from the virus, and all you need to do is disinfect the item to keep yourself safe. Practice caution and continue to self-isolate and self-distance yourself from people by ordering online and disinfecting your packages.

1 Stop Pack n’ Ship is an international packing and shipping company based in Maryland. We offer professional services in packing and shipping, freight and trucking, and international moving. If you’re looking for an efficient and safe way to transport your packages, give us a call today!