Mail Handling Procedures - COVID-19 Follow

With social distancing and self-isolation increasingly becoming the norm (and, in many cases, a government mandate) during the coronavirus pandemic,  people are actively avoiding the crowds like travelling in public transport to get to Vision Store and prefer make purchase on online store or over the phone. But the packages you order aren’t exactly sterile. They’ve each been touched by multiple people—the person who put your item in the package, the person who loaded it onto a truck, the person who hands you your box, and so on. How careful should you be?

How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?

According to the World Health Organization, it is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you think a surface like a package may be infected, clean it with a common household disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Should you disinfect your packages?

Be extra-cautious, particularly if you are in a higher risk group, dispose the outer packaging outside and wash your hands immediately after handling.

What are delivery services doing to keep your packages safe?

The Vision Australia Warehouse is following strict hygiene protocols in the packaging of all products. However the person who touches your package last is likely your delivery person, but there have been a number of touch points on the journey to you.

Australia Post will not request signature on delivery since 16th March 2020 during this period to apply appropriate social distance.

Be extra-cautious, particularly if you are in a higher risk group, dispose the outer packaging outside and wash your hands immediately after handling.

Vision Australia also are applying stringent workplace controls

• High touch surfaces (e.g. counters, desks and tables) and objects (e.g. telephones, keyboards) are wiped with disinfectant regularly
• Areas where there is public access are receiving frequent additional cleaning and disinfection
• Adequate supplies of cleaning equipment and necessary PPE are available.
• Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap. Frequently use hand sanitiser provided.  
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.