This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, it's essential to take extra precautions when shopping for food and other essentials. According to the World Health Organisation, the virus can be transmitted from person to person when we touch contaminated surfaces, making it crucial to disinfect our surroundings.
When bringing home groceries, it's essential to be mindful of the surfaces that may be contaminated. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the coronavirus can last up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces and up to 24 hours on cardboard.
Given that most food items come in plastic bags, stainless steel cans, or cardboard boxes, it's vital to take extra precautions when bringing your shopping home. To disinfect containers made from non-porous materials like glass and metal, use a solution of water and disinfectant or wipes.
For pre-packaged goods such as flours, grains, pasta, and condiments, it's best to transfer them into clean containers. Fresh produce, on the other hand, can be washed with plain water before storing them. If you choose to be extra cautious, you can use soap and water to clean your produce, but make sure to rinse them well.
Remember to take extra precautions when you come from outside. Wash your hands thoroughly, keep shopping in a designated area of your kitchen until you have time to clean it, launder your clothes, leave your shoes outside, and disinfect any surfaces that you touched.
It's also essential to clean your kitchen frequently, paying particular attention to those surfaces that are touched frequently, such as cabinet handles, the fridge door, and countertops.
