Covid-19 Disclosure from sellers

[yarrowlion]

I bought and paid for an item last week.  It still hadn't been shipped so I messaged the seller asking when it was going to ship.  He then messaged me back explaining that he and his son were recovering from Covid.  Then he shipped my item (before I had a chance to read the email).  I am high risk and just want to cancel the whole order.  If he and his son are already recovering, then they already knew they were sick before I even bought the item from them.  I just want my money back are there any policies in place that protect me in this to be able to get my full amount refunded?  (as they should have disclosed the extra risk that is coming with purchasing from them).

[wastingtime101]

You're at greater risk from touching your mailbox every day than you are from the contents of this package. Your mail carrier handles the mailboxes and packages for hundreds of people on the route.

All you need to do is wash your hands after handling mail and packages. As for the contents - Covid doesn't stay viable for more than 3 days on most surfaces, and the chances of the virus surviving after a package is in transit going through so many temperature changes are incredibly slim. If you're that paranoid then put the package to the side for 3 days before opening it.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

[simba6]

Don't forget the shipper. Any person that handles it could also be infected.   Just wash your hands after handling mail and packages.  You want to keep it out of your noes, mouth and eyes.

[msh062]

If you're this paranoid about getting a virus through the mail, shop in person

[sin-n-dex]

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@msh062 wrote:

If you're this paranoid about getting a virus through the mail, shop in person

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That's even more risky...

[buyselljack2016]

Anything delivered to me either goes directly into the recycling bag(located in the garage on my way back in), or sits on a table in the cellar for 3 days before traveling upstairs.

As wastingtime posted, it is highly unlikely that the virus would survive the time between seller, and buyer, and also as stated, you are more "at risk" from the handling after the seller shipped it.

[mcgwirefan]

You could try messaging the seller back. Let them know your concerns & ask them if you can return it when it arrives. Buyselljack2016 that posted before me has a great idea about leaving it sitting for 3 days.

[soh.maryl]

What would be the reason that the buyer would want to return it?

Presuming he wouldn't open the package, would he open a case for not as described?

Someone needs to just loosen up a little bit.  As others have pointed out, the package has traveled for several days and has been handled by lots of people before it gets to the buyer.  If he feels strongly about it, take the suggestion of letting it sit somewhere before opening.

[7606dennis]

Actually, if you're that concerned about the possibility of contracting the virus through a shipment received in the mail, you should probably avoid buying anything online or handling any piece of mail that you receive.  However, that leaves very limited possibilities for you to obtain any necessary supplies during the remainder of the pandemic which appears to be going to be with us for some time. 

[spot2persona]

Don't afraid.Because Covid 19 virus vanish within 3-4 days.We have a risk of breeding this virus by letter or parcel.For me when the parcel or letter arrives I remove the cover and wash my hands thoroughly.Because Post man also may be infected in covid virus.

[coffeebean832]

The only difference between this package and all other packages you receive is that you know someone with Covid handled it. You should be making that assumption about every piece of mail you get- assume your mail carrier is potentially carrying Covid. The age old expression about the unknown is very relevant in your case- Ignorance is bliss.

To answer your question directly- no, there is no eBay policy that will cover you in the manner you're asking. If your seller accepts returns you can ask them to return the item and you pay for return shipping.

There is no greater risk with this package than any other you would receive, as has already been pointed out. @yarrowlion