Many of us have been dutifully familiarizing ourselves with the ways to protect ourselves and others from the new coronavirus (COVID-19). We're washing our hands. We're social distancing. We're cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
There are many packaged foods that kids like to snack on, like cereal, popcorn, trail mix, and dry fruit snacks. How can we be sure they are not contaminated with COVID-19?
There is no way to tell if a box or container is contaminated with COVID-19. The coronavirus can live on surfaces (up to 24 hours on cardboard and two to three days on plastic but decrease concentration over time)
When shopping, the dry fruit often and avoid touching the face to reduce the risk for transmission of the virus. When you arrive at home, transfer the food item to a container after that washed and clean at home or a plastic storage bag.
Boxes with individual packages may be emptied and left in the garbage can. You can wipe a plastic or glass container with a disinfecting wipe if desired. Some may choose to keep foods in a separate storage area for 24-72 hours but keep in mind that high temperatures (such as the garage or trunk) may not be safe for storing all foods. Fresh dry foods must be put away immediately to assure safe temperatures to prevent risk for dry food-borne illnesses.
What to know about takeout and food delivery
Whether you're great at cooking or just okay, you're probably going to feel the itch for something cooked by a professional eventually. But should you be worried about getting takeout or food delivered from a restaurant?
Restaurants are always expected to follow the food safety best practices and employee health policies that help keep people safe from illness. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the FDA has emphasized the need for food facilities to continue to be "vigilant in their hygiene practices, including frequent and proper hand-washing and routine cleaning of all surfaces."
There are also steps you can take to help reduce your chance of being exposed to the new coronavirus(COVID-19) while picking up food or having food delivered, including:
- Asking restaurants if they provide touch-free payment strategies
- Asking for delivery people practice contact-free delivery, such as leaving dry fruits or eating at your doorstep
- Washing your hands before and after you handle your dry fruits or food's packaging and plate your food
What You Can Do
To reduce your chance of catching and spreading the new coronavirus, clean and disinfect joint surfaces and objects in your home and office every day. This includes:
- Countertops
- Tables
- Doorknobs
- Bathroom fixtures
- Phones
- Keyboards
- Remote controls
- Toilets
Use a household cleaning spray or wipe. If the surfaces are dirty first of all, you should clean them first with soap and water and then disinfect them.
You can additionally build a bleach answer which will be smart for up to twenty four hours. Mix 5 tablespoons (one-third cup) of household bleach per gallon of water, or four teaspoons per quart of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or another cleanser. Leave cleaners and bleach solutions on surfaces for at least 2 minutes.
Keep the surfaces clean, even if everyone in your house is healthy. People who are infected and not show symptoms, but they can still shed the virus.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after visiting the drugstore or supermarket or bringing in takeout food or a delivered newspaper.
It's a good idea to wash fruits and vegetables under running water before you eat them. Scrub them with a brush or your hands to remove any germs that might be on the surface. If you have a weakened immune system, you want to buy frozen or canned produce.
There's no evidence that anyone has gotten the virus from food packaging. However, if you want, you can wipe down takeout containers or grocery items and let them air dry.
Wash or disinfect reusable grocery bags after each use. Wash used fabrics often, using the warmest water that the manufacturer recommends. Dry them completely. Wear disposable gloves when handling an ill person's laundry. Throw them away when you're done, and wash your hands.
The virus most likely will not survive the time it takes for mail or different shipped things to be delivered. The highest risk comes from the person performing them. Limit your contact with delivery people as much as you can. You might also leave packages outside for a few hours or spray them with a disinfectant before bringing them in. Wash your hands after you handle mail or a package.
If you want, you can disinfect the soles of your shoes and avoid
Concerned you may have COVID-19?
If you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can speak to a Virtual Urgent Care provider 24/7. The provider will help you determine if testing is needed and advise you on where you should go.
The way you broke down the science behind it was super helpful for someone like me who's been diving into the nitty-gritty details of COVID-19. Your explanation about the virus's lifespan on different surfaces, especially dry fruits, was not only informative but also made me rethink my grocery shopping habits. Covid 19 life
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