Coronavirus: Do I Have to Disinfect My Purchases?
Do we have to disinfect all packaging after shopping? In the article you can see what we should consider in the supermarket and at home.
Who goes to the supermarket these days is accompanied by a queasy feeling. Are we all in danger of catching the coronavirus there? The good news is that there is virtually no risk from the food packaging. But still, it’s sensible to keep an eye on a few things when shopping.
The virus can survive without a human carrier on surfaces such as plastic or cardboard – but the risk of infection decreases with every hour that passes. Experts consider it “practically impossible” for a sufficient quantity of the virus to reach our mucous membranes and infect us in this way. Nevertheless it is important to take a few basic precautions when shopping.
The real danger: Other buyers
Much riskier than the noodle pack in your shopping basket is the proximity to the many people who are also shopping. Therefore you should definitely wipe the handle of your shopping cart with disinfectant if your supermarket offers this service. When shopping, it is extremely important to keep your distance from other customers – even if you are queuing at the checkout. The main transmission route of the corona virus is still droplet infection when someone around you sneezes or coughs.
What you really need to get rid of viruses at home
When you get home, the first thing you should do is to wash your hands thoroughly. Then put your shopping away – and wash your hands again. Then, even in the unlikely event of a virus on your purchases, you are well protected. If you’ve been shopping on your smartphone, you should disinfect it again to be on the safe side. Then even the most persistent viruses will have no chance of infecting you!