Questions and Answers about Coronavirus and COVID-19

With coronavirus infections increasing in the U.S., all segments of the farm to consumer food system should be implementing controls to minimize risks associated with COVID-19 illness. In this fact sheet, common questions asked by individuals are answered, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH).

What is coronavirus and why is it a concern to people?

Viruses are very small particles that replicate only inside the living cells of organisms, including humans. Coronaviruses are part of a large group of viruses that cause respiratory diseases such as the common cold. The coronavirus that is responsible for the current worldwide crisis is a specific strain, designated SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms of this infectious disease, called COVID-19, are similar to those of the common cold or flu but are more severe. 

The following symptoms have been reported:

• fever or chills
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea

Anyone can get sick from coronavirus, but adults currently make up most of the cases. Those with weakened immune systems such as people over the age of 60 or that have pre-existing conditions including diabetes, chronic respiratory or cardiac disease, or high blood pressure are at a higher risk for developing life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and death. Even though younger people tend to show milder symptoms, they should follow the same advice for preventing transmission of the disease since they can pass it on to others.

Can the virus be spread through food?

According to the FDA, there is no evidence that eating food contaminated with coronavirus particles can transmit the disease. However, it cannot be completely ruled out since fecal contamination has been reported as a suspected transmission route in many cases. Studies on other respiratory viruses have demonstrated low survival rates on food and packaging materials during shipping or storage under a wide range of conditions. If virus particles are present on package surfaces, they do not remain infectious for long -- only a few hours on paper and cardboard materials and a few days on hard surfaces such as plastic and metal. More research is needed to understand all possible mechanisms for disease transmission, and we are monitoring the scientific literature for new and relevant information.

What is the primary way the virus is spread?

Because COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, the main route for passing it on to others is through virus-containing droplets that are generated during coughing and sneezing, and to a lesser extent during talking. These particles can float for many hours in the air and eventually be inhaled or settle onto surfaces. However, the infection can also occur by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face, eyes, or nose. For these reasons, everyone should take action to keep themselves healthy and to prevent others from becoming ill.

What are the best ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus and through good hygiene practices.

Stay at home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that anyone with symptoms of acute respiratory illness stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (temperature less than 100.4°F [37.8°C] using an oral thermometer) and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. acetaminophen and cough suppressants).

Because contaminated surfaces are potential sources of disease transmission, clean and disinfect them frequently using commercially available sprays or wipes that are labeled as effective against viruses. Remember a good scrubbing with a detergent solution and a disposable cloth or paper towel is very effective against the virus.

Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work on clean surfaces. Follow label instructions for these products (concentration, application method, and contact time) and take care not to splash concentrated solutions onto others.

Household bleach is an effective disinfectant against coronavirus when diluted properly.

• Mix 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach with one gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons bleach in a quart of water. Household disinfectant solutions are not suitable for food contact surfaces unless residues are washed off with water. Manual cleaning of dishes, utensils, and cutting boards in hot water and dish detergent or using the dishwasher is adequate to permanently inactivate the virus.
• Never wash fruits or vegetables with household disinfectants and do not wash produce with detergents or bleach solutions. These can leave undesirable or unsafe residues.
• Follow label instructions for safe application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or an acid such as vinegar. These combinations can generate dangerous fumes.
• Alcohol solutions containing at least 60% ethanol (grain alcohol) or 70% isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) are effective. But these solutions are not recommended for disinfecting large surfaces. The vapors are potentially toxic and flammable in closed environments
• Commercially available disinfection wipes are effective for surfaces you regularly touch, such as computer keyboards, cell phones, and telephones. Do not purchase sanitizers from suppliers who claim their products kill viruses without showing proof of efficacy.
• Clothes, shoes, and hair are probably not significant sources of transmission since viruses are likely to degrade rapidly on these surfaces.

By knowing and understanding the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease it causes, we can all make necessary adjustments to the way we conduct our daily lives and take action to minimize the spread of illness.

References and Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Coronavirus (COVID-19)"

Centers for Disease Control (CDC). "Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19." 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)"

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), "COVID-19 Guidance: Live daily briefings from the PA Department of Health.

Pennsylvania Department of Health. "Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Directing Public Health Safety Measures for Businesses Permitted to Maintain In-person Operations."