Some American cities have banned them. But what do the experts tell us?
Italy has stopped, but one of the few places still open and frequented, despite the coronavirus epidemic, remains the supermarket. Its products and surfaces are touched every day by many people, concerned about the risk of exposure to the virus. And what about the reusable shopping bags that come placed in the carts and at the checkouts? Some American cities, such as San Francisco, have banned them in an attempt to protect both customers and employees of supermarkets.
An excessive precaution?
Experts explained that, like most cold and flu viruses, coronavirus also spreads through droplets released into the air from coughing and sneezing. A study by the National Institutes of Health states that the virus could survive up to three days on plastic and on stainless steel, and up to 24 hours on cardboard. It is not yet clear, however, how long it lasts on clothing.
However, according to Timothy Newsome, a science professor at the University of Sydney, the risk of coronavirus spreading through reusable bags is relatively low. «The vast majority of infections occur from person to person, so we are much more concerned about transmission between people than through plastic .
Instead of abandoning reusable bags, Professor Newsome suggests that the best way to reduce contagion would be to limit the number of times you go shopping as much as possible. "It would be very useful go to the supermarket once a week instead of twoand also offer to do that of the neighbor too .
Donald Schaffner, a microbiologist and food safety expert from the University of Rutgers, agrees, and adds that "if you fear that bags may be contaminated with coronavirus, you can always decide to wash them. You should also wash your hands after you finish storing all food items in the pantry or fridge. This was a good rule even before the pandemic. " The less resistant bags can also be cleaned with antibacterial wipes and disinfectant sprays, but most of the reusable bags are made of cotton and canvas, and therefore are machine washable.
Supermarkets have already implemented a number of customer safety measures, from regulating the number of people who can enter, to plexiglas barriers at checkouts. But it is always advisable wash your hands before and after shopping at the supermarket, and avoiding touching your face after handling trolleys, baskets, packages and products, as well as using touchless payment methods.
One last thing: even if you wear latex gloves, it is good to remember not to touch your face in any case: the gloves are used not to infect others, not to protect themselves.
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