There are many things that we still do not know about the COVID-19 virus, but what we do know is how long the virus lives on certain surfaces. This is important because it helps us think twice before we handle certain items like our groceries, boxes delivered through the mail, our mail, and our door handles.
Recently, the environmental experts stress that single-use plastics can still harbor viruses and bacteria they pick up from their manufacturing, transport, stocking or use. A study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that the novel coronavirus can remain on plastics and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days, and on cardboard for up to one day. Read more here:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces
The results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, and suggests that people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects.
So if you can, wait 24 hours before you handle the box delivered today. Keep your stable groceries in the garage for a few days before you bring them in, and wipe down those perishable items with disinfectant or soap and water, and then scrub your hands clean before you consume them.