I did my PhD studies on pandemic H5N1 avian influenza virus at CSIRO. My project investigated \u201ccytokine storm\u201d in response to virus infection and investigated ways to ameliorate the impacts of disease. <\/p>\n Getting takeaway<\/strong> Hi, I\u2019m Sarah Fardy, I know stuff about science. I did my PhD studies on pandemic H5N1 avian influenza virus at CSIRO. My project investigated \u201ccytokine storm\u201d in response to virus infection and investigated ways to ameliorate the impacts of disease. I recently started a live streaming channel via Facebook to help people filter through […]<\/p>\n
\nI recently started a live streaming channel via Facebook to help people filter through the myriad of COVID-19 facts on the internet and in the media. On my 8pm nightly Facebook Live streams, Fardy Facts followers can ask science and virus-related questions and get evidenced based answers \u2013 relieving worries and concerns during the COVID-19 info-demic.
\nThis week, I\u2019ll help you to safely do your grocery shopping, order takeaway food and receive food deliveries \u2013 all while keeping your bubble safe.
\nCOVID-19 infection is mainly spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets – from coughing or sneezing. Cooked foods may be safe, but what about the packaging? Public concerns are increasing about accidently picking up infected droplets from inanimate objects, as it was announced in mid-March that coronavirus was detectable on cardboard (24 hours), plastics and stainless steel (3 days), copper (4 hours) and, in the air for up to 3 hours, in the New England Journal of Medicine study.
\nGrocery shopping<\/strong>
\nLimit your trips to supermarkets or farmers markets to once a week or
\nonce a fortnight. It\u2019s not essential to go daily.
\nOn shopping day, prepare a place where you can bring all your groceries to \u2018decontaminate\u2019 when you get home. Set out an area in your kitchen or outdoor area and define a \u2018dirty\u2019 zone and a \u2018clean zone\u2019. In this \u2018dirty\u2019 zone you should have a spray bottle of 70 per cent ethanol, disposable wipes or paper towel and a bucket or sink of soapy water.
\nSanitise your hands before you enter and after you leave the store or markets \u2013 take your own supply to guarantee this step.
\nMake a list, so you know exactly what you need to get to minimise time spent in the shopping environment.
\nDon\u2019t pick up or touch items you don\u2019t plan on purchasing.
\nRemove all items from bags and place groceries in the \u2018dirty\u2019 zone. Store shopping bags away until next shop – They are considered \u2018dirty\u2019
\nbut there is no need to wash them.
\nGroup similar items and \u2018decontaminate\u2019. Once \u2018decontaminated\u2019 items are moved into the \u2018clean\u2019 zone,
\nthey can be put away.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n Loose fruit and veggies<\/td>\n Remove plastic bags, netting, cling wraps etc. Gently scrub in soapy water<\/td>\n Rinse with fresh water and dry off or set aside to air dry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Packaged fruit and veggies like cherry tomatoes, berries, packed lettuce, salad mix etc<\/td>\n Take a soaked soapy water wipe or handful of soapy paper towels and wipe down the outside packaging<\/td>\n Take dry cloth and wipe away soapy suds. Move to fridge and allow 24 hours before consuming<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cardboard packaging<\/td>\n Spray with 70% ethanol and allow to air dry. Do not wipe off the spray. Alternatively, you may also leave cardboard items somewhere they won\u2019t be touched for 24 hours
\n(not in any clean zones)<\/td>\nAir dried items that have been sprayed and items that have spent 24 hours untouched can be put away.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Breads, packet items, plastic wrapped meats, cheese, plastic containers, bottles, tins, jars and glass items, pre-packed ready meals<\/td>\n Take a soaked soapy water wipe or handful of soapy paper towels and wipe down the outside packaging<\/td>\n Take dry cloth and wipe away soapy suds. Move to fridge or cupboards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Deli wrapped foods<\/td>\n Remove and discard paper from deli wrapped foods. Tie off the plastic bag with a knot and take a soaked soapy water wipe or handful of soapy paper towels and wipe down the outside packaging<\/td>\n Take dry cloth and wipe away soapy suds. Move to fridge<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\nThere\u2019s no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through cooked food. We just need to ensure that our chosen takeaway food venue is keeping up good hygiene and food handling practices.
\nCurrently, it is acceptable to make enquires about the extra measures restaurants and cafes are implementing, to ensure they are operating safely and withing the recommendations outlined by government departments to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19.
\nOnce you are comfortable (or not), make your choice. If you are satisfied and getting takeaway, it\u2019s best to remove all outside packaging, put food into your own clean bowls and plates, wash your hands before eating and use your own cutlery.
\nFood deliveries<\/strong>
\nAgain, as with takeaway food venues, make your enquiries and be comfortable that measures are being taken to reduce the risk of food being home delivered.
\nRemove food from packaging, wash your hands and eat from your own crockery and utensils. If you are having groceries or pre-made meals delivered, use the guide in the table above for your decontamination processes.
\nAt this time, it\u2019s best to not let couriers or delivery drivers into your \u201cbubble\u201d. Ask them politely to leave the goods outside your door, so that you can limit further risk.Remember to always wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and bon appetit!
\nDon\u2019t forget to join me live at 8pm for COVID-19 Q&A \u2013 search \u2018Fardy Facts\u2019 on Facebook. If there is something specific you want me to cover, please let me know at fardy-facts.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"