In response to information about subsequent incidents related to the spread of a dangerous coronavirus, users of shopping sites such as Aliexpress, Alibaba or Fashionmia began to consider whenever it is safe to pick up parcels from China? That is a truly valid question with reasonable grounds having in mind how quickly the virus crosses the borders and spread around the world. Many people who do online shopping in Chinese stores are worried to collect their parcels. Customers of those online services directed they question to media and health authorities to check if the 19nCoV coronavirus can be transmitted via packages ordered from China? The media interviewed the Chief Sanitary Inspectorates in different countries to estimate the risk of contracting the virus through goods ordered online.
The US government agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in answer to those concerns issued an official statement. The agency informed that while much is still unknown about the virus and the ways how it spread there is no evidence to suggest that clients may be infected via packages or products imported from China.
The virus can be transmitted from animals to people and between people as they resent cases has shown. However, the infection is taking place through a droplet route and in the direct contact. The virus needs a humid environment to be transmitted from person to person. While hypothetical there may be a possibility of virus transmission via package the chance of this to happen are microscopic or almost equal zero. To survive a virus, need humidity and a certain temperature of the air. Therefore, the most probably before the parcel will reach its destination the virus will simply die. The conditions inside the parcel would not allow the virus to survive its journey.
Similar assurance was also issued together with recommendations of the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate which commented that currently, there is no evidence that would confirm the transmission of 2019nCoV via packages or products imported from China.
The Inspectorate recommended certain steps which can be implemented by worried clients. This extra safety measures can be applied to protect yourself against coronavirus. First of all, it would be beneficial to simply follow the basic hygiene rules when dealing with the parcel. Washing hands properly with antibacterial soap would minimise the risk of infection. It is also recommended to wash the clothes received in the parcel. If the items delivered cannot be placed in the washing machine it is suggested to clean the items with the antibacterial wipes. Watching regular updates and information about the virus would also help to learn how to best protect ourselves against the contagion.
Alicja Prochniak
Picture: Pixabay
Sources:
https://www.medonet.pl/zdrowie,czy-paczki-z-chin-moga-przenosic-koronawirusa-,artykul,30425439.html
