Gone are the days when we as individuals used to go out in the markets and streets to shop for our daily essentials. The tradition has been changed to shopping online and taking advantage of contactless deliveries due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
The meaning of safety and precautions have been redefined and have been taken seriously, which is good. It is good because now people are finally understanding the value of digitalization and its given benefits.
Although the deliveries are contactless and there is a minimum risk of any disease to be spread, it is best that we keep ourselves fully protected by following these steps when groceries and daily essentials are being delivered.
We need to keep ourselves protected and double sure about our safety and hygiene.
- How to ensure safety when we receive vegetables and fruits from the vendor?
It is said that the virus is likely to remain on the fruits and vegetables for around 6 to 8 hours and if they are exposed to heat, the virus goes away in 4 hours. If you get vegetables from any vendor make sure to follow the general protocol that it should be kept outside for around 4 hours within the packet itself. After the given time, remove the vegetables from the packet and put them in warm water or wash them with baking soda to ensure complete safety.
2. Don’t use sanitizers on vegetables and fruits
We’ve encountered many people who are concerned about using sanitizers on fruits and vegetables. But they shouldn’t do that as it can be harmful as there is no evidence that the sanitizer can kill the virus on vegetables and fruits. Sanitizers are only to be used for our hands, body, and metals.
On the other hand, spraying chemicals on vegetables and fruits can make them harmful to consume. Warm water should be sufficient and washing it with baking soda would be more preferable.
You can also drop KMn04 or potassium permanganate in warm water to wash it off. It is known to be the safest way. But always remember to wear a mask while doing so.
3. What can be done with the fruits and vegetables that cannot be drenched?
This situation is quite tricky, some items which are not supposed to be drowned into the water like onions and bananas, you can put them in a closed container or space where the heat is not directly reaching & contacting them.
By keeping things this way, after 3 to 4 hours they will be safe to handle. You may wash in plain water and proceed to eat or cook. ,
4. Should we go for vegetable sanitizers?
But If the vegetable sanitizers have KMn04 or potassium permanganate in it then it is fit for use. If not, then it is likely to be not much effective.
5. What should we do with dairy items that cannot be kept in the heat or outside for four hours?
If the dairy products are packed such as milk, cheese, and curd, you should wash the outer package, remove it, and put it into a home container.
You should throw away the outer packages and these packages cannot be discarded in an open dustbin or even should not come in contact with any other human.
Metal or cold drink cans may be a home for the virus for around 24 or even 48 hours, hence these items should not be refrigerated immediately and should be kept at room temperature where there is no human exposure.
6. News paper? Books? Stationary items?
Thankfully, viruses cannot survive or remain stable in newspapers or cash for a long period of time. Yet, to be sure, you should keep them outside the house for 2 to 3 hours. Sanitizers cannot be used for materials like this, pencil or metal items like pen or pencil box can be sanitized as there is evidence that sanitizers do work on them.
7. Contactless delivery to be preferred, each time!
Make sure to choose contactless delivery always, you may also take the option of wearing face masks, hand gloves by fully protecting yourself. You can choose to go and get your own stuff and keep them outside for some time, then follow the given procedures for your safety.
8. Accessories and electronic gadgets
Gadgets and electronic gadgets can also be sanitized once bought from outside, you can wipe all your gadgets with disinfectant and use them so that you stay protected all the time.
9. Packaged food and snacks, what about them?
As per the FDA, there is no evidence as such that food or food packaging can transmit the novel coronavirus, but still, to be on a safer side, it is best that you use the disinfectant and remove the food packaging. Also, make sure to observe your food safety and standard while you wash your hands afterward.
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