Top Five Tips for Safely Receiving Packages During COVID-19

Top Five Tips for Safely Receiving Packages During COVID-19

March 16, 2021

Since the novel coronavirus can live on surfaces, including cardboard, plastic and stainless steel, for up to 72 hours in some cases, you might be wondering whether it’s safe to receive packages and deliveries to your Walla Walla County, WA home. The answer is yes, but only if you follow some important precautions. Read on to learn more about how to protect yourself from illness when receiving packages.

Avoid direct contact with the delivery person

This step is arguably the most-important COVID-19-safe package receiving tip. When you get a delivery to your Walla Walla County, WA home, take great care to avoid any contact with your delivery person. Many food and grocery delivery services are adopting contactless delivery to your doorstep, and packages sent through the mail typically don’t require delivery confirmation and can be left at your door. Try to handle all interactions electronically either by computer or by using an app on your phone. Not only does this protect you and your family, but it also protects the delivery worker.

Sanitize after contact with frequently touched surfaces

If you’re receiving an item that requires delivery confirmation, you might need to handle a touchscreen tablet or other device to prove that you received the package. Depending on your living situation, you also may need to touch doors, elevator buttons and more to retrieve your package. Use a shoulder, elbow, foot, hip or forearm instead of hands to make contact with these surfaces whenever possible. If you can’t avoid contact with a frequently touched surface, make sure you sanitize your hands as well as any other high-touch surfaces you had contact with after handling the delivery.

Sanitize surfaces that have direct contact with the package

Remember to sanitize any surface that the outer boxes or packaging touched, like a table or countertops. Whether you’ve received a box in the mail or a takeout container, taking the extra step to sanitize surfaces is one of the key ways to protect yourself from illness when receiving packages.

Sanitize the package

If possible, leave the package outside for a few hours before disinfecting it. While an alcohol-based sanitizer spray is the easiest way to disinfect packages, you can also use sanitizing wipes. Make sure to do a thorough job and cover all surfaces. If your delivery has outer packaging, throw it away immediately.

Avoid touching your face

The CDC recommends that you avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible to reduce your risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Always follow proper hand hygiene guidelines after handling a delivery. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use sanitizer to keep your hands clean.

Following COVID-19-safe package receiving tips is an easy way to be a responsible member of your Walla Walla County, WA community. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll protect yourself from illness when receiving packages. Contact the team at Supreme Cleaning Services today if you have any questions about safety and cleaning during the coronavirus pandemic.

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