Many retail stores are closed and restaurants have cut back on staff and hours, but you still can shop online for the things you need or want.

It’s not the same as being there in person.

But it’s the next best thing when you are asked to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, to keep you and others well and safe.

Here are a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  that may help when getting mail, packages or food deliveries.

When You Order

• Pay online or on the phone when you place an order or buy something that has to be shipped to you.
• Get packages without in-person touch. Ask for packages to be left in a safe spot outside your house, such as your front porch or lobby, with no person-to-person touch.
• If you do need to meet in person, stay at least 6 feet away from the person dropping off your delivery. Wear a face mask or something to cover your mouth and nose. Hopefully, the person dropping off the packages will have a face mask too.
• If you have to sign for the package or a receipt, use your own pen.

After the Call

The virus can linger on some surfaces. But it doesn’t make sense to leave a package outside for a few days. Instead, always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol after touching packages from other people. This includes:

• If you have food delivered or bring home takeout food
• After you pick up the mail from a post office or home mailbox
• If you get cardboard packages through the mail or delivery service
• If a friend or neighbor drops off something for you

Source: Daily Life and Copying,  Coronavirus Disease 2019, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019.