10 Safety Tips on Sending and Receiving Packages During CoVid-19

10 Safety Tips on Sending and Receiving Packages During CoVid-19

Whether you’re a customer or a business owner, you have been badly affected by logistical uncertainties due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. As a customer, you might be doing more online shopping to avoid non-essential travel. But how certain can you be that the packages you receive are sterile? After all, they’ve each likely been touched by multiple people while on its way to you.

For business owners, on the other hand, you’re not only thinking about the cleanliness of your products but you also have to ensure they arrive on-time to your customers. However, due to the strict lockdowns, access to roads might be limited which ultimately lead to delay of deliveries.

So, how do you go forward then? Worklink Services Inc., a reputable logistics company in the Philippines that remains in operation amidst CoVid-19, presents this article to help secure your shipping and receiving experience. Read these 10 safety tips when sending and receiving packages during CoVid-19.

Shipping Amidst CoVid-19: 5 Safety Tips for Receiving Packages

1. Pay Online

While many e-commerce businesses now offer Cash-on-Delivery (COD) payment option due to its benefits, it’s not the safest option nowadays.

You’ll be meeting the delivery person face-to-face in order to hand the payment for your package. And in some cases, he will give you the change for your money.

However, you do not know if he has symptoms of CoVid-19 or is asymptomatic and unknowingly spreading the virus. You shouldn’t also ignore the possibility that he might be in contact with another person (who is a possible spreader) prior to arriving at your home.

So, as much as possible, you should consider online payments (whether credit card, online bank transfer, or mobile load transfer) to avoid contact with other people.

2. Designate a Delivery Area

Once you’ve paid for your orders, you can now expect to receive your packages.

If possible, you can call the courier service assigned for your packages and inform them that the delivery personnel can simply drop the products outside your home.

Then you can designate a delivery zone—whether a mat or crate with a sign for delivery workers—where they can unload your packages. This would ultimately limit face-to-face contact and avoid the spread of CoVid-19.

3. Open the Package Outside

However, some e-commerce companies do not offer the option of dropping the packages and would require you to sign a document that you have indeed received the items.

When this scenario happens, you can open the package outside and discard the box or packing material as soon as possible.

4. Wipe Down the Packing Material

After opening the packaging, you’ll usually find another layer of plastic or box that protects the actual item inside. You should thoroughly wipe this packaging layer using a rag or cloth with disinfectant on it. This would eliminate any droplets of virus or bacteria that may be living on the surface.

5. Wash Your Hands

Now that you’ve opened your package, you should immediately wash your hands. The disinfectant or sanitizer you used is not enough to protect yourself from CoVid-19. So make sure to use soap and water to thoroughly clean your hands for at least 20 seconds.

5 Essential Tips on How to Send Packages Safely

If you’re a business owner, you might be wondering how to safely handle the shipment of goods during CoVid-19. To help you out, check these safety tips on sending packages to your customers. 

1. Consider Online Pick-up Deliveries

Nowadays, sending packages anywhere is becoming easier and faster due to the rise of online pick-up and delivery courier services in the Philippines. These operations are usually done by motorcycles but vans and trucks are slowly becoming popular too.

Through these logistics services, you do not have to go to the physical branch of your selected courier. Instead, you can simply wait for them to come to your office or warehouse and pick up your packages. This ultimately helps you limit non-essential travel done, thus avoiding contact with other people.

2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment

While it’s best to schedule a pick-up delivery service, you should know that some courier companies do not offer this. You may still need to go to their office in order to deliver the products to your customers.

As such, do not forget to wear personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as masks or face shields when transacting. You may also opt to wear gloves to avoid physical contact with other people, especially when paying money or handing the items. Doing so would help protect yourself from CoVid-19.

3. Practice Social Distancing

Aside from wearing PPEs, you should also practice social distancing when outside. Make sure to put at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other people.

You can never be too sure if all the people around you are healthy—some might be asymptomatic. It’s best to be safe than sorry later on.

4. Avoid Touching Your Face

You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth when outside, even if you are wearing PPEs. Always keep in mind that your hands made contact with several possible contaminated surfaces throughout the day so putting them on your face would spread the virus.

As such, it’s best to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands, especially if they are dirty or unwashed. Doing so will help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the chances of you getting COVID-19.

5. Clean Your Hands

After finishing your transaction with the courier company, you can dispose of the masks or gloves (if not reusable) that you used. Then temporarily disinfect your hands using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

Once you get home or have access to soap and water, it’s a must to wash your hands immediately. Make sure to thoroughly rub in between your fingers and under your nails to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus.

Casually picking up or delivering packages could pose a threat during the Coronavirus pandemic. You never know who are the possible carriers of the said virus and you might be unknowingly bringing it to your home or office. Make sure to protect yourself by following these 10 safety tips when sending and receiving packages.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: How Logistic Companies Can Respond to the Impacts of the Crisis

Looking for a reliable logistics partner during this health pandemic? Look no further than Worklink Services Inc., one of the leading logistics companies that offer B2B courier services in the Philippines. Our team of logistics experts complies with public health and safety protocols. On top of that, we ensure your packages are delivered on time, whether via trucking services, air freight, or sea freight. Contact us today to get started!

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