Can you get coronavirus via mail
The short answer is: it's highly unlikely to get COVID-19 (the disease caused by the coronavirus) through the mail.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other reputable health organizations have consistently stated that COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person through:
- Close contact with an infected person (within 6 feet)
- Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes
- Touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes
The mail, including packages, letters, and envelopes, is not a known vector for transmitting COVID-19. The virus is not airborne, and it's not transmitted through touch or contact with surfaces.
Here are some reasons why it's unlikely to get COVID-19 through the mail:
- The virus is not stable on surfaces: COVID-19 is a fragile virus that quickly degrades and becomes inactive when exposed to air, light, and heat. This means it's unlikely to survive the journey through the mail system.
- Mail is not a conducive environment: Mail is typically handled and transported in a way that doesn't allow the virus to survive. Envelopes and packages are often sealed, and the contents are not exposed to the air or other surfaces that could potentially harbor the virus.
- Mail handlers and carriers are not typically at risk: Mail handlers and carriers are not considered high-risk individuals for contracting COVID-19, as they are not in close contact with infected individuals and are not handling packages or mail that have been contaminated with the virus.
That being said, it's still important to follow proper hygiene practices when handling mail and packages, such as:
- Washing your hands frequently
- Avoiding touching your face
- Using gloves if you're handling packages or mail that may have been contaminated with the virus
- Disinfecting surfaces and objects that come into contact with mail and packages
Remember, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to follow public health guidelines, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated.