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The coronavirus can survive on some surfaces for nine or more days, so is it safe to touch the packages from courier you've been ordering from your favorite online store? Should you take disinfectant spray to the box or leave it outside for several days? Do you need to wear a face mask or gloves when opening your package?

Right now, the answer is no to all of that, and here's why. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there is very low risk for the coronavirus to spread from packages that have traveled over a period of days. The World Health Organization (WHO) also notes that it's very unlikely for a package to be contaminated after being exposed to different conditions, and therefore the risk of a person contracting the virus from a package is considered low.

What about packages that arrive the same day, like food delivery services? Coronaviruses like the one going around now have been found to last on surfaces for up to nine days (RNA from the virus causing COVID-19 was found up to 17 days later). However, the current knowledge is that it's safe to order takeout and groceries. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, there's no evidence of the virus being transmitted through food or packaging.

It certainly won't hurt for you to take extra precautions at home if that's what can make you feel safe. The most effective and appropriate advices right now are to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after handling packages and their contents, and don't touch your face before washing your hands