Can coronavirus transmitted through mail
The short answer is: it's highly unlikely.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other reputable health organizations have consistently stated that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 through mail and packages is extremely low.
Here's why:
- Coronavirus is not airborne: COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets are typically short-range and don't travel far through the air.
- Mail and packages are not a viable route: The virus is not capable of surviving for long periods outside of a human host, and it's not adapted to survive on surfaces like paper, cardboard, or plastic.
- Mail and packages are typically handled and processed in a way that minimizes risk: Mail and packages are typically handled by automated machinery, and human handlers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks to minimize the risk of transmission.
- The virus is sensitive to temperature and humidity: COVID-19 is sensitive to temperature and humidity, which makes it unlikely to survive for long periods in a mail or package.
That being said, there are some theoretical scenarios where transmission through mail or packages could occur:
- Contaminated surfaces: If an infected person handles a package or mail and then touches their face, mouth, or nose, they could potentially transmit the virus.
- Poor handling or storage: If mail or packages are not handled or stored properly, there's a small risk of transmission.
To minimize any potential risk, it's still important to follow proper hygiene practices when handling mail and packages, such as:
- Washing your hands frequently
- Avoiding touching your face, mouth, or nose
- Using gloves if you're handling packages or mail that may have been handled by an infected person
- Disinfecting surfaces and packages if you're concerned about transmission
Overall, the risk of transmission through mail and packages is extremely low, and the benefits of receiving mail and packages far outweigh the risks.