How to disinfect packages from COVID-19
Here’s what you need to know:
Avoid the delivery person. If the option is available, choose a “no contact” delivery.Treat the package as a biohazard, which means taking precautions if you have to touch it (gloves, washing hands, etc.)It’s safest and cheapest to wait at least 72 hours before handling or opening the package. While the virus dies off on cardboard in about 24 hours, it lives much longer on plastic. If the warehouse worker who packed the item or delivery person who dropped it off was infected, then there could be virus present not only on the cardboard or paper of the package, but on any plastic tape, labels, or inside the packaging.If you choose to disinfect instead of waiting it out, use a cleaner from the EPA’s approved list.You can use ultraviolet light to disinfect, but it’s complicated, expensive, and hard to recommend.