If you are currently receiving treatment for cancer, you are at a higher risk of having a suppressed immune system. For more information, you can read more in our article about immunosuppression. 

Do I have to disinfect my groceries when I get home? What should I do?

We recommend that you ask someone you know to do your grocery shopping. You can also use a delivery service and request no-contact delivery so that your order will be left at your doorstep. When your groceries arrive, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before handling food or packaging. Packaged groceries may be contaminated by unwashed hands, so you can clean them with a wet cloth before putting them away, or if possible, remove the contents and discard the packaging (including for refrigerated foods).

There is currently no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted to humans from food. As always, wash your fruits and vegetables before putting them away or using them.

Don’t forget to wash your hands when you have finished putting your groceries away. Remember to avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth while handling groceries.

For more information and a video, visit the Retail Council of Canada website. 

Do I need to pay more attention to cleaning my counters?

Some studies have shown that the virus can remain on counters for several hours up to several days, depending on the type of surface and the temperature and humidity of the room.

You should clean frequently touched hard surfaces often. This includes counters and other surfaces, such as doorknobs. Cleaning with soap and water removes germs and reduces the risk of infection, while disinfecting kills germs. If you disinfect surfaces after cleaning them, you may further reduce your risk of infection. You can view the list of disinfectants approved by Health Canada on their website. 

Is it safe to touch my mail?

Because coronaviruses are not likely to survive on surfaces in general, there is a low risk of spread from items shipped over a period of days or weeks. Canada Post has stated that there is no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted by imported goods or packages.

Is it safe to touch my medications that I get delivered from the pharmacy? Do I have to disinfect the containers?

Pharmacies always follow very strict hygiene rules when preparing medications, including home deliveries. The delivery person must also take many precautions, such as wearing a mask and gloves. They must also follow certain instructions for cleaning delivery vehicles.

You can follow the same procedure as for food deliveries:

• Wash your hands before touching the bag containing your medication.
• Discard the bag.
• If you wish, wipe the containers with a wet cloth (this is not officially recommended but can be done as a precaution).
• Wash your hands again.

As stores reopen, is it safe for people who are immunosuppressed to go shopping?

It is recommended that, in general, people who are immunosuppressed should stay inside their homes as much as possible. However, if you must go out, please consider:

• Wearing a mask
• Maintaining a distance of two metres between yourself and others
• Avoiding crowded public places, such as grocery stores