Will sending Christmas cards spread coronavirus?
The risk of spreading Covid-19 from sending Christmas cards is minimal, a virologist from the University of Leicester has said.
Dr Julian Tang has advised it is safe to send Christmas cards this year to friends and loved ones, as the risk of Covid-19 infection is "low".
The Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Leicester and Clinical Virologist, advised that Christmas cards and other similar objects that could potentially carry the virus pose a "minimal risk" of infection because transmission of the virus through these means is poor.
If people are concerned however, they should wash their hands after opening cards, and avoid touching their mouths, eyes or noses to minimise infection risk.
Dr Tang said: "People shouldn’t worry about sending Christmas cards to friends and loved ones this year and spreading more than just festive cheer - sending cards presents a low risk of infection from COVID-19.
"Epidemiologically, we know that this virus does not transmit much via surfaces, so the risk of infection remains minimal - especially given the journey the card has to take through the postal system."