Getting shipments

[lchrist6311]

If I purchase an item. When it arrives, am I sure the package does not come with 

the corn-19 virus on or in the package. Can we get it though packages?

Is it safe to buy items now? 

[nobody*s_perfect]

It is possible for people to have very mild cases of this new virus, so they don't even know they have it. We have to just assume that everybody we see could be carrying it.  Including the person who delivers your mail and packages.  

This new virus can only live for 24 hours on cardboard and up to 3 days on hard surfaces such as metal and plastic. So go ahead and  do your shopping online, but assume that your package has virus on it.  Bring it into the house, stick it in a corner, wash your hands, and then open the package 3 days later.

[lightlily_arts]

It is highly unlikely that anyone can become infected from contact with mail or packages as viruses need a  specific environment to exist or replicate.   Viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets so unless you have direct person to person close contact with a mail carrier that actually has the virus I wouldn't be worried.    If you are worried just set aside your mail.

Consider the actual risk factors.  Our county has a population of 850,000 and to date we have had only one confirmed case of the virus.  This individual traveled to Mexico on the Grand Princess cruise ship. He was placed on home quarantine and is doing well.  None of the health care personnel  at the Urgent Care or hospital that came in contact with that individual has been sick.    That is because when the virus first was announced  back in early February the health care personnel started wearing masks.   Fear is our worst enemy.   The county has taken measures to prevent spread of the virus.  Limiting personal contact with people and make sure you wash your hands.

[mountainmommie]

Last I checked any seller cannot control what could eventually end up on any given package. None of us here are in charge of a universal package delivery system.

I do not get my health advice off eBay boards. Last week millennials in good health were relatively safe. Today they are dying in Europe. Nobody really knows squat about this virus DESPITE all the people who are telling people they do.

[nobody*s_perfect]

I apologize for giving out unsubstantiated advice about how long this virus can live on various surfaces, above. I should have cited my source, which is the New England Journal of Medicine.

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973?query=featured_home

[mountainmommie]

That article sites no less than 4 "experimentals." Everything in that article can change.

[yuzuha]

You don't get sick simply from touching something that someone with the virus has touched-- you get sick by touching that thing and then touching your face without washing your hands, allowing it to get into your eyes, nose or mouth.

Just wash your hands thoroughly after handling any mail and keep your hands away from your face and you'll be fine.