How to handle takeaway containers safely: Immunologist reveals exactly what to do with plastic and cardboard to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19
- A Nobel prize-winning immunologist said we need to be careful with food boxes
- Dr Peter Doherty said the way we bring food containers into the house is an issue
- He said we can be careful by transferring food and washing hands before eating
- Professor Doherty said the virus can live on plastic for up to nine days in total
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
A Nobel prize-winning immunologist and Australian Academy of Science Fellow has revealed why you should be careful with your takeaway food containers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Professor Peter Doherty, from the University of Melbourne, said the way we bring food into our house is an issue during coronavirus – and while it’s not as big of a problem as being close to someone who is coughing and spluttering, it does bear thinking about.
‘It’s worth thinking about possible infection when you pick up your pizza box or plastic container,’ Professor Doherty said in a YouTube video by the Australian Academy of Science.
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A Nobel prize-winning immunologist and Australian Academy of Science Fellow has revealed why you should be careful with your takeaway food containers during COVID-19 (stock image)
‘We’ve been told that coronavirus can live on cardboard and paper for up to 24 hours, while it can last on plastic and steel for at least three days and up to nine days on plastic.’
Professor Doherty said the best course of action with your takeaway food containers, pizza boxes and cardboard is to practise caution as much as possible.
‘You might think about picking up the pizza box, and taking the food out, then making sure the box is out of the way and washing your hands,’ he said.
Professor Doherty said the best course of action with takeaway food containers, pizza boxes and cardboard is to practise caution as much as possible with hand washing (stock image)
Professor Doherty also said with plastic containers, you could transfer the food into another of your own plastic containers, before storing it in the fridge and washing your hands.
Alternatively, you could spray any plastic boxes you get sent with something to kill any bacteria.
‘I don’t think these things are likely to be a major source of infection, but it is something to bear in mind,’ he said.
‘With the SARS epidemic, we certainly saw people wiping down elevator buttons.’
In response to the growing coronavirus pandemic, the likes of Uber Eats and Deliveroo are all offering contactless delivery (stock image)
How long can coronavirus last on surfaces?
* One thing hat has been unclear is exactly how long Sars-CoV-2, the name of the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, can survive outside the human body.
* Some studies on other coronaviruses, including Sars and Mers, found they can survive on metal, glass and plastic for as long as nine days, unless they are properly disinfected.
* Some can even hang around for up to 28 days in low temperatures.
* Coronaviruses are well known to be particularly resilient in terms of where they can survive.
Source: BBC
Prime Minister Scott Morrison banned dining at restaurants, pubs and cafes last week, with food outlets only able to offer takeaway or home delivery instead.
In response to the growing coronavirus pandemic, the likes of Uber Eats and Deliveroo are all offering contactless delivery.
Associate professor at the University of Sydney, Timothy Newsome, told FEMAIL it’s a good idea to wash your fruit and vegetables with soap at this time.
‘We have to remember that every surface is potentially contaminated. And like with any surface there is a risk,’ Mr Newsome explained.
‘We don’t see it as high risk because that comes from sustained contact with other people, but nonetheless it’s important to be mindful.’
Professor Doherty (pictured) also touched on the use of masks and why it might be a good idea to let your mask sit around your neck if you are out in the open and the fresh air
Professor Doherty also touched on the use of masks and why it might be a good idea to let your mask sit around your neck if you are out in the open and the fresh air.
‘I don’t think there is any problem with being out in the fresh air at all,’ he explained.
‘But depending how good your mask is, it can get kind of wet, or filled with mucus, sweat and spit.
‘If it’s wet, you could be at more risk of getting contaminated.’
With this in mind, if you’re out on a walk, he said, it could be worth lowering your mask to enjoy the fresh air without your mask on.
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