From school cancellations to store closures to general uncertainty about life, everyone is feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The world is trying to figure out how to practice social distancing while meeting basic human needs in everyday life. It’s a lot of stuff to deal with, and unfortunately there isn’t a preexisting guide on how to do this. anything in the midst of a pandemic.
Take, for example, online shopping during the coronavirus. Although most retailers are closing their physical stores, many remain open online. But is it even okay to shop online? What other factors should you take into account before clicking “Add to cart”? Below, we go over some questions you need to think about when making purchasing decisions.
Can packages carry the coronavirus?
All official government sources believe that the risk of being infected of a package is weak, even if an infected person has touched it.
“By the time products hit your store shelves, it has usually been a few weeks since they were manufactured,” says Brian Labus, assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. “The virus could survive for a few days in a suitable environment, but it will be long dead by the time you buy this product. Even if something you order online is shipped to you the next day, it was in a warehouse long enough for the virus to die. “
It is the same for the objects inside. “[It’s] a new virus and information is being collected every day and in various parts of the world, ”says Mark. “It is not clear whether the virus can remain viable on clothing. If you are living with a vulnerable person – age, pre-existing conditions – it may be worth changing clothes once inside your home and washing items.
Do new purchases need to be washed?
A general rule of thumb is to always wash new clothes because of germs. Currently, there is conflicting information as to whether the coronavirus may be killed at a certain temperature or if it can survive through washing clothes. Your best bet is to wash everything thoroughly and in hot water, if possible.
“People can practice infection control through basic hygiene,” Saralyn Mark, American medical women‘Association leader and senior medical adviser to HHS, says Bustle. “Wash surfaces with alcohol-based products – at least 60% – and clothes in hot water detergent.”
Are the factors at risk while doing their job?
The reality is, yes, they are, at least to some extent. A a recent study found that the coronavirus can be detected for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. It is not yet clear how long it can survive on paper. In addition, letter carriers are frequently in direct physical contact with members of their community.
More than 40,000 people have signed a petition calling on the United States Postal Service to “take immediate action to ensure the safety and rights of its workers, and the safety of its customers.” The petition calls for emergency sick leave and a risk premium for employees, in addition to making gloves, disinfectant spray and face masks available at all post offices.
How can I support small businesses that may be in difficulty?
“Resist the urge and comforts of double-clicking on Amazon or Walmart,” advises Allen Adamson, co-founder of the marketing firm Metaforce and Assistant Associate Professor at the NYU Stern School of Business. “Call your local hardware store if you need a few items and have them deliver. If you need new sneakers for all the outdoor runs you’re going to be doing rather than going to the gym, call a runners store instead of [ordering on] Zappos.
While the pandemic affects everyone, it is particularly hitting small businesses. Nevertheless, they do a big job to keep everyone stocked with the essentials.
“Service companies and very small businesses will have the most difficulty,” says Adamson. “Think small. Send flowers to someone. Have your shoes polished or your heels fixed. Buy a gift card[s]. “
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If you think you show coronavirus symptoms, which include fever, shortness of breath, and cough, call your doctor before going for testing. If you are concerned about the spread of the virus in your community, visit the CDC Where NHS 111 in the UK for up-to-date information and resources, or to search mental health support. You can find all Bustle coronavirus coverage here and UK specific updates on coronavirus here.
