York University biochemistry professor Gerald Audette answers your questions:
Q: I just read in the news that workers In eight Amazon warehouses tested positive for the new coronavirus. Is it safe to accept parcel deliveries?
A: The main way to catch COVID-19 is not from boxes but unwashed hands. You could leave the package in your garage for a few days to let the germs die, but safest bet is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap after you have opened the parcel and leave the packaging in your recycle bin. Given normal production cycles, the item itself was likely left untouched in plastic wrap for six to eight months and should be safe.
Q: Am I at risk of COVID-19 germs when I order takeout food or pizza delivery?
A: Exchanging cash can transmit disease so if you can, pay by app or online. Most delivery drivers are trying to take the right precautions, but to be safe, keep your own distance from the delivery person — you could ask them to drop it off at the porch and pick it up after they leave. Hot food will likely have been protected in a thermal container but you can drop your food into your own clean container, heat it again, dispose of the package and wash your hands thoroughly.
Q: What about mail delivery? Can the envelopes carry germs?
A: Most mail sorting, printing and packaging is automated now, and mail carriers are trying to be as safe as possible with gloves, but to ensure the best protection, wash your hands thoroughly after handling mail.
Q: Is the COVID-19 virus killed in my dishwasher, oven, microwave, freezer or washing machine?
A: Soap and detergent are effective at encapsulating the virus and washing it away. The washing machine has the added benefit of scrubbing action and dishwasher has the heat from the drying cycle. The oven and microwave can kill it with high heat. Putting something in your freezer, on the other hand, may not help because there’s no evidence cold kills coronavirus.
Q: I have heard that it’s good to soak fruit and veggies in soapy water, then wash before eating. Is this true?
A: It’s a good idea to wash everything you purchase, especially when it goes directly in your mouth. If you are peeling the food (like a banana or potato) you won’t catch it, but the virus will also be killed when you boil or cook it.
Q: Can the virus be transmitted on a bar of soap?
A: No. The lather from liquid or bar soap is equally effective at washing away the germs and there’s no evidence of anyone getting sick from germs left on a soap bar.
Q: Can I make my own sanitizer with the booze in my cupboard?
A: No. Typical liquor contains 40 per cent alcohol. For it to be effective against coronavirus, the sanitizer must be at least 60 per cent.
