Can You Get Covid From Packages? Experts Weigh In!

So you’ve done everything right. You wear a mask, maintain social distancing, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and follow other precautionary measures. But, are you still completely safe from COVID-19? Could you still get infected from packages? What you are about to read is SHOCKING, in fact, it could even save your life. Read on to know more.

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that the risks of transmission of COVID-19 from a package is extremely low, but not impossible.This is because the COVID-19 virus spreads most often by respiratory droplets that are transmitted by coughing or sneezing.

Another important factor is the fact that packages are usually shipped over a period of time. Whether it is a few days or weeks, it is unlikely that the virus would survive on its surface. Keep in mind that if your package company is known for their less-than-24-hour service, their efficient delivery could lead to the virus surviving on the surface of the package since they don’t sit for too long.

There is a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 from the delivery person at the drop off at your home. Even though your delivery person could look totally healthy, they still may be carrying COVID-19 unknowingly and could be spreading the virus. By touching items that an infected person has recently handled, you could contract COVID-19.

Studies show that COVID-19 can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hrs. But it is important to remember that the virus can survive longer on other surfaces as well like:

  • Air: 3 hours
  • Copper: 4 hours
  • Stainless steel: 2-3 days
  • Plastic: 3 days

Also note that the time period may vary under conditions such as temperature or humidity of the environment.

Some precautionary measures that you can take is ensuring that the shipping company you chose takes care of their employees and follows the necessary precautionary protocols to avoid COVID-19 infections.

To be safe you should also wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and clean packages with alcohol wipes before bringing them into your home so that the virus can be killed.