Best practices for safe mail and packages handling during the COVID-19 pandemic

There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spreading through mail or parcels , according to the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Most of it is spread from droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which are inhaled by people nearby.

Health experts

say the risks are very low that COVID-19 will remain on envelopes or packages and infect anyone who handles them.

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Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly — and avoid touching your face — after handling deliveries .

Like many businesses, the U.S. Postal Service has limited visitors to its facilities and asks that anyone who comes to the post office to stand at least 6 feet away from another person.

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The CDC recommends mail and parcel delivery drivers to stay home if they are sick so as not to expose co-workers or delivery recipients to any respiratory disease infection as well as wearing a cloth face covering in public settings where physical distancing is not possible, mainly in areas with high COVID-19 infection rates .

Likewise, they are suggested to practice contactless deliveries whenever it is possible or to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet when they need to speak with the recipients. They should also limit contact with frequently touched surfaces during deliveries, including doorbells and door handles, as well as avoid sharing pens, scanners, or other tools with customers.

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