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In reply to the discussion: A Question About COVID [View all]The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,618 posts)17. No, but they are saying that you don't need to go beyond that.
This was in a hospital setting, too, where routine cleaning is always done. You don't have to disinfect your groceries or let a package sit for days before handling it.
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, many people cleaned grocery-store purchases with disinfecting wipes before putting them away at home.
At that point, it was recommended as a best practice to avoid contagion. The thinking was that because the virus can survive on surfaces for short periods of time, someone could touch a contaminated item and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth and possibly infect themselves.
Now, however, a lot more is known about how COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person through droplets in the air. The risk of getting it from surfaces, including grocery packaging, is exceedingly small, said Melissa Bronstein, senior director of infection prevention for Rochester Regional Health and a registered nurse.
The most up-to-date information on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that because of the poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely a very low risk of spread from food products or packaging. In fact, it goes on to say that no cases of COVID-19 have been linked to people touching food or food packaging and then touching their faces.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/09/08/do-you-still-need-wipe-down-grocery-store-takeout-boxes/5743240002/ I wash my hands after handling something that originated from outside my house but that's about it.At that point, it was recommended as a best practice to avoid contagion. The thinking was that because the virus can survive on surfaces for short periods of time, someone could touch a contaminated item and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth and possibly infect themselves.
Now, however, a lot more is known about how COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person through droplets in the air. The risk of getting it from surfaces, including grocery packaging, is exceedingly small, said Melissa Bronstein, senior director of infection prevention for Rochester Regional Health and a registered nurse.
The most up-to-date information on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that because of the poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely a very low risk of spread from food products or packaging. In fact, it goes on to say that no cases of COVID-19 have been linked to people touching food or food packaging and then touching their faces.
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For surfaces, the biggest concern is with high-touch surfaces like door handles and railings etc.
Olafjoy
Oct 2020
#5
The latest research suggests that surfaces are not a significant source of infection.
The Velveteen Ocelot
Oct 2020
#6
Contact transmission is unlikely. One case. Masks are very effective going both ways
Bernardo de La Paz
Oct 2020
#11
I didn't say it ruled out. But you need to keep a sense of proportion & follow the science
Bernardo de La Paz
Oct 2020
#18
Primary means of transmission is via the nasal passages from droplets and aerosolized matter.
Ms. Toad
Oct 2020
#13
Most important thing re surface transmission: Wash Your Hands & Don't Touch Your Face. . . nt
Bernardo de La Paz
Oct 2020
#19