COVID 19 NEWS

Does receiving a leaflet/letter through my door increase my chances of getting COVID-19?Information about getting post during the COVID-19 pandemicGiven that the coronavirus is a new virus there is still much that we do not know. One aspect that has been unclear is how long the coronavirus can survive outside the human body. Research to date suggests that the length of time which the virus can live on surfaces is largely dependent on the material it comes into contact with and the environmental conditions. One study found that COVID-19 was likely to remain on materials such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours compared to cardboard which could be up to 24hrs. This is why you often hear advice being given for people to wash their hands and disinfect touched surfaces frequently. However despite this, it is worth noting that touching a surface or object with the virus and then touching one's own face is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.  
We recognise that in some instances, people might not have access to the internet and therefore leaflets are an important way to communicate key information and advice to the public. Whilst this method of communication is not risk free, it is likely that the risk of infection from receiving a letter or leaflet through the post is minimal and the need to get important messages out to the most vulnerable far outweighs this risk. To further minimise the risk of infection, we recommend that volunteers who help to deliver vital information using leaflets, should be in good health (eg not showing symptoms of COVID-19), practice good hand hygiene and main social distancing at all times.