Can mail carry the corona virus

The short answer is: it's possible, but extremely unlikely.

The COVID-19 virus, which causes the coronavirus disease, is primarily spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. However, it's theoretically possible for the virus to survive on surfaces and objects, including mail, for a short period.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. Survival time: The COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for a short period, typically up to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel, and up to 7 days on cardboard. However, the virus is more likely to degrade and become inactive over time.
2. Transmission: For the virus to be transmitted through mail, it would need to be present on the surface of the mail in sufficient quantities to cause infection. This is unlikely, as the virus is typically present in small amounts on surfaces.
3. Mail handling: Mail is typically handled by many people, including postal workers, handlers, and recipients, which increases the chances of the virus being inactivated or removed through normal handling practices, such as washing hands and wearing gloves.
4. Mail disinfection: Many postal services and mail handlers have implemented measures to disinfect mail, such as using UV light or chemical disinfectants, to reduce the risk of transmission.

To put your mind at ease, here are some reassuring facts:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not reported any cases of COVID-19 transmission through mail.
• The risk of transmission through mail is considered extremely low, and the WHO and CDC do not recommend taking special precautions when handling mail.
• Many countries have implemented measures to reduce the risk of transmission through mail, such as using disinfectants and increasing the frequency of mail handling.

In summary, while it's theoretically possible for the COVID-19 virus to survive on mail, the risk of transmission is extremely low due to the virus's short survival time, the need for sufficient quantities of the virus to cause infection, and the measures taken by postal services and mail handlers to disinfect and handle mail safely.