UPDATED: Can you get Coronavirus from receiving a package from China?

Updated as of March 10, 2020

If you're an avid online shopper, you've probably experienced ordering products from sellers based in China. But with the rising concern over the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), one can't help but worry whether it's safe to receive packages from China.

So, if you're waiting for your parcel from China to arrive, and you're wondering whether it's safe to receive it, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. has the answer:

“In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of 2019-nCoV associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of 2019-nCoV in the United States associated with imported goods.”

Even though this statement from CDC might be relieving in some way, it won't hurt to take extra safety measures in order to avoid getting infected by the Coronavirus Disease. Here are more tips to stay COVID-19-free from Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag: