According to the latest information, the novel #coronavirus can stay infectious on cardboard surfaces for up to 24 hours. The CDC hasn’t offered any guidance on whether you should disinfect packages before they enter your home, but a spritz of bleach solution or quick wipedown never hurts. Neither food nor food packaging has caused any known cases of COVID-19 so far, according to the Food & Drug Administration; but as you stay in and cook more, remember to observe proper food handling and storage procedures.
Tag: coronavirus
Disinfect Clothing, Textiles and Your Hamper, Too
Experts says that the novel #coronavirus lasts less than 24 hours on textiles, and doing laundry using regular soap and a hot dry cycle should #disinfect most garments effectively. You should disinfect any surfaces that the clothing came into contact with, however, including the hamper and your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and clean and disinfect the hamper as you would similar household surfaces. Last, don’t forget to #sanitize outerwear, purses and backpacks with a spray or wipe.
Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces in the Home
The CDC recommends you disinfect high-touch surfaces inside your home daily to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly if anyone has entered or exited recently. The novel coronavirus can survive up to three days on surfaces, so target doorknobs; tabletops; kitchen and bathroom sinks, counters and faucets; toilets; light switches; remote controls and game controllers; and phones and tablets. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant appropriate to the surface you wish to keep virus-free.
Wash Your Hands to Prevent COVID-19
Washing your hands is the CDC’s top preventive measure to lower the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus or passing it along to others. Wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, touch your face or use the bathroom. Wash before and after you change locations, too — when you leave for and return from a grocery store or pharmacy, for example. Frequent washing can leave your hands dry and chapped, of course, so be sure to moisturize with a dab of lotion when necessary.
Cleaning to Prevent the Coronavirus
With many parts of the nation initiating localized lockdowns against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, many readers may be wondering what they can do to help the situation as they prepare to spend more time at home.
First, don’t panic. The “social distancing” measures advised are intended to slow the spread of the virus by decreasing person-to-person transmission — and the faster they are implemented, the less impact the virus can have on day-to-day activity.
Although you may be forced to reduce participation in group activities for a short period time, purchasing six months’ worth of toilet paper and other supplies will only make it more difficult for others to access the basics. Stores will restock!
If you and/or your children are forced to stay home due to a COVID-19 lockdown at work or school, make the most of that time and do a good #decluttering. Set items you no longer need or want items aside for a donation to ClothingDonations.org.
Decluttering is a good step toward a thorough deep-cleaning, but since scientists say COVID-19 can survive on certain surfaces for up to three days, you may wish to do some cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the virus from spreading or causing an infection.
You’ll want to clean and disinfect household surfaces that get touched regularly, including doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, door handles, toilets and sinks, The Seattle Times says. Use EPA-registered disinfectants or a bleach solution to kill the virus.
Also remember to practice good antiviral personal hygiene to protect your health. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face, WHO says. If you feel feverish, develop a dry cough or have difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Hopefully, these precautions will prevent COVID-19 from affecting you directly and spreading. Stay safe!