Are you wiping down groceries because of the new variant?

[LaughingStock2021]

I am. Are you?

I have a shitload on my plate at the moment so haven't started digging through articles recommending it or saying it's all nonsense to do so, but with the 70% more infectious strain we are doing it. Wondered if anyone had seen anything related to the new strain and what new precautions we could take?

Nothing I have heard or read so far has convinced me this is necessary for me to do.

Nope.

Oh wow I thought this was going to be a joke but.... Um no I'm not washing up my shopping or wiping it down.

Aren't you worried that you're just smearing the germs onto everything if one thing is contaminated?

Yep, high risk so have been doing since the start. Leave dry goods to "quarantine" for a few days. Wipe/wash fridge/freezer.
I did used to quarantine post but now just open immediately and discard package/envelope and wash hands after handling.
I'm in Ireland where they told us when there was no PPE that masks were a bad idea, then u- turned on that and made them compulsory on public transport etc.
So I listen to government advice, but I also use my own judgement.
If I wasn't so high risk though I'd be far too lazy to bother!

I don’t

It would be pointless as the baby sits in the trolley touching everything that she can reach.

Plus even with a towel over seat and handle she often manages to lick the trolley.

Quite frankly she may be how the virus is spreading and mutating

My sister inlaw is still getting shopping delivered and wipes everything.

She has always made everyone use hand sanitizer before going near her little ones. Even before covid. So a little germ phobic

@LaughingStock2021

Does anyone know if you can pick up measles from handling items that a person with measles has touched? I did read that this new variant is similarly infectious to measles.

Yes, you can catch measles from handling items that an infected person has touched. Fomite transmission is not a significant mode of transmission though because the virus dries out quickly on the surface. Measles is so infectious because it can stay in the air as an aerosol (and not dry out so remain viable) for many hours after the infected person has left, it has a low infectious dose and you are infectious for up to 4 days before you have symptoms.

Just because 2 viruses are equally "infectious" doesn't mean that they are transmitted in the same way though IYSWIM? The basic reproduction number (R0) is a measure of "infectiousness". HIV has a similar R0 number to SARS-CoV-2 but you can't catch HIV by touching a can of beans. Ebola has a much lower R0 but you can be infected by touching an infected person's sweaty clothing.

I think you have misunderstood that the new variant is as transmissible as measles. Thankfully, it isn't. Measles has an R0 of 12-18, SARS-CoV-2 seems to have an R0 of 2.5-3.5, the highest estimates for the new variant are an increase in R0 of less than 1.

You might like to read this:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/948607/s0995-mitigations-to-reduce-transmission-of-the-new-variant.pdf

I’ve never stopped either just some soapy water on a cloth over everything before it’s dried and put away and it’s just habit now that I will continue forever I think

I have Never washed my shopping diwn but I was travelling into London on the train and tube before this lockdown, went out to lunch, went to the British museum, went in a cafe for coffee, never caught Covid, i’m still going into work every day with social distancing, so washing my shopping down is not even thought about as a risk.

No, I think it’s a pointless thing to do

AIBU?! to think that those who are shielding and largely staying indoors since March are wiping down groceries, and the other half of the population who for whatever reason are largely out and about[key workers etc] are not?

I have washed shopping and quarantined post all along since last March.. Still caught Covid off DH who got it at work.

@lightand

AIBU?! to think that those who are shielding and largely staying indoors since March are wiping down groceries, and the other half of the population who for whatever reason are largely out and about[key workers etc] are not?

No, we have work and school but still do it. So many things are a risk so we choose to eliminate all we can. Shopping is any easy one and given how much has been made of washing hands then surface transmission must be a factor albeit likely far less than airborne transmission.

Very good discusion on bbc1 now.

Yes, expert on bbc saying it’s a small risk but the risk from shopping is there. Potential for the virus to be on items such as tins. He didn’t say to wipe stuff. But said after handling a tin and opening it, once the contents are in a pan wash your hands. I’d say wiping might actually be easier. I’ve never bothered.....maybe I’ll start. I’m a bit shit at even washing my hands when I come hack from shopping to be honest.

I think washing your hands properlyhas always been the key.

Washing hands without cleaning the shopping would be futile unless everytime you get something out of the fridge/cupboards/freezer you do them again. Plus who wants germs lurking or children taking things that may have the virus on them.

I put my marigolds on to unpack the shopping. Wipe the tins and anything in plastic or glass. Wash the fruit and veg, quarantine the cardboard.
Wash all the surfaces including the taps. Wash the gloves.
Once everything put away I wash my hands. It doesn't take long.
I find wearing rubber gloves for all washing and cleaning really helps to save getting sore hands. I used to not bother, but I have several pairs on the go now.

No

yes!!
I fill the sink with cold water and a cap of milton and dip everything. everyone thinks i'm crazy but it reassures me.

No. And I doubt I will be. Still if folk have got the time and inclination then why not. (I've got the time but not the inclination) .

No.Never have. Think the risk is infinitesimal.

@FenEel

No.Never have. Think the risk is infinitesimal.

Me too. And am far too lazy. Dh is far more of a germophobe than I am and even he doesn't see the need.

Hell no!