As we know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been spreading across all sectors. To bring the situation under control all the scientists and health authorities around the world are working to identifying the solutions. The Packaging sector is affected by this and monitoring the situation closely. The main spread of the virus is believed to be person-to-person; it can live for a short time on different surfaces like:
- Air: 3hours
- Copper: 4 hours
- Cardboard: 24 hours
- Stainless Steel: 2-3 days
- Polypropylene Plastic: 3 days
It means it could be contaminated if you touch anything which someone else has handled before. while carrying out other activities, Special care should be taken during emptying the bins, opening/closing of doors by hands, interacting with machines and handling custom boxes etc. Following are some precautions that you can take to prevent coronavirus during working in the packaging zone:
Avoiding contracting with any infected surface
The virus can spread if a person touches their eyes or mouth after touching a contaminated surface, the CDC says, but it’s not thought to be the main source of transmission. “We found that viable virus could be detected in aerosols up to 3 hours post aerosolization, up to 4 hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel,” the researchers said. But here I want to be clear that food or the packages could carry the virus, but the risk of transmission is very, very low. “This is a remote possibility and thousands if not millions of times less likely than any of the other exposure routes. Really, really low risk.” Chapman said.
Use Gloves during working
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in packaging sector you need to wear gloves during your working hours. Although The CDC has made no recommendation to wear disposable gloves for public However, the agency does recommend that people wear disposable gloves when caring for someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Wash hands properly
Wash your hands properly with soap for at least 20 seconds, or can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol (If soap and water are not readily available). Immediately wash your hand after coughing, blowing your nose, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.