Can you catch the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from food? How should I do laundry now? Mundane household tasks have turned into a source of uncertainty and anxiety as families grapple with getting the basics done all while keeping their loved ones safe and healthy. Widespread misinformation about the virus puts everyone at risk and adds to the stress of having to filter fact from fiction.  

While research into the COVID-19 virus is ongoing, we know the virus is spread mainly when respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing, sneezing, talking, singing) get into the mouth, nose or eyes of people who are nearby. We also now know that people can be infected, and spread the virus to others, even without having any symptoms. People may also become infected by touching their mouth, nose or eyes after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus may survive on surfaces for a few hours up to several days. The good news? Simple disinfectants can kill it. Now what does this mean for your home?

To give parents a helping hand, we compiled the latest expert information on what is known about COVID-19 and tips to help keep it out of your home.

>> COVID-19: What parents should know

>> COVID-19 and masks: Tips for families  

>> Get the latest information and guidance on the COVID-19 virus  

Simple hygiene measures can help protect your family’s health and everyone else's. 

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 

Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately.

Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people outside your household.  

If COVID-19 is widespread in your area, a fabric mask should be worn in all public settings where it is difficult to keep a physical distance from others.  

Be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19 in yourself and your family. Seek medical care early if symptoms develop, and stay home except to get medical care.

Yes, you’re hearing it everywhere, because it’s the best line of defence. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds. 

An easy way to time it with your children is by singing the full happy birthday song, twice. 

Make sure to wash hands after you blow your nose, sneeze into a tissue, before putting on and after removing your fabric mask, use the restroom, when you leave and return to your home, before preparing or eating food, applying make-up, handling contact lenses etc.

If using a hand sanitizer ensure that it contains at least 60 per cent alcohol, ensure coverage on all parts of the hands and rub hands together for 20-30 seconds until hands feel dry. If hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.  

Did you know? Cold water and warm water are equally effective at removing germs and viruses from your hands — as long as you use soap and wash your hands the right way!

>>  Everything you need to know about washing your hands to protect against the COVID-19 virus

Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home regularly is an important precaution to lower the risk of infection. 

Follow cleaning product instructions for safe and effective use, including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation.

Some national authorities have made lists of recommended products for use against the COVID-19 virus. 

Every home is different, but common high-touch surfaces include: Door handles, tables, chairs, handrails, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, taps, toilets, light switches, mobile phones, computers, tablets, keyboards, remote controls, game controllers and favourite toys. 

If a surface is dirty, first clean it with soap or detergent and water. Then use a disinfectant product containing alcohol (of around 70 per cent) or bleach. Vinegar and other natural products are not recommended.

In many places it can be difficult to find disinfectant sprays and wipes. In such cases, continue to clean with soap and water. Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used on some surfaces.

It’s important not to wipe cleaning solutions off as soon as you’ve applied it to a surface. Many disinfectant products, such as wipes and sprays, need to stay wet on a surface for several minutes in order to be effective. Always read the directions to make sure you’re using the products as recommended and to avoid damaging sensitive items such as mobile phones and other electronic devices. Consider using wipeable covers for electronics. 

It is currently unclear how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on fabric, but many items of clothing have plastic and metal elements on which it might live for a few hours to several days.

Exercise caution and common sense. Good practices to consider include removing your shoes when you enter your home and changing into clean clothes when you return home after being in crowded places, and washing your hands with soap and water immediately afterwards. 

Clean bed sheets, towels and clothes regularly. 

If you need to use laundry facilities outside of your home, take sensible precautions:

If you don’t have access to laundry facilities, hand wash your clothes at home with soap or detergent and the warmest appropriate water.

While at present there is no evidence of people catching the COVID-19 virus from food or food packaging, it may be possible that people can become infected by touching a surface or object contaminated by the virus and then touching their face. 

The greater risk comes from being in close contact with other people while outside food shopping or receiving a food delivery (as receiving any delivery in areas with local transmission). So it’s important to keep a distance of at least 1 meter from others, wear a fabric mask in public settings, and frequently wash your hands. As always, good hygiene is important when handling food to prevent any food-borne illnesses.

>> Easy, affordable and healthy eating tips for parents  

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This article was originally published on 03 April 2020. It was last updated on 14 September 2020.  

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