Disclaimer: This information has been compiled from a variety of health experts and reputable sources. SoleSavy itself is not a health & safety authority.
Many consumers have expressed concern regarding the safety of online shopping right now and accepting packages shipped from around the world. Concerns such as “Can the COVID-19 virus survive on the cardboard shipping boxes we bring into our homes?”
A new study published March 17th by the New England Journal of Medicine has now clarified the survival rate for COVID-19 on a variety of surfaces. The study reveals that the virus can survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard and only 4 hours on copper. It survived the longest on plastic and steel; up to 72 hours.
The majority of items shipped worldwide directly to consumers comes in cardboard packaging. The sneakers, clothes, and electronics you might buy online are most likely virus free by the time they reach your doorstep due to the time it takes to arrive and distances they often travel.
According to the New York Times:
On cardboard, [COVID-19] survives up to 24 hours, which suggests packages that arrivein the mail should have only low levels of the virus— unless the delivery person has coughed or sneezed on it or has handled it with contaminated hands. That’s true in general. Unless the people who handle any of these materials are sick, the actual risk of getting infected from any of these materials is low, experts said.”
The CDC also says that it is “very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after it has been moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures.” The federal health agency still recommends that you use a disinfectant if you think a surface or object is contaminated.
While online shopping is still considered safe, it is advised that you take extra precautions and wash your hands after handling your package as well as after you discard/recycle the packaging. It is imperative to maintain good hygiene, especially during this outbreak, in order to prevent any further spread of the virus.