BOB.T

Mi brother has ordered a model from Hong Kong, it's sat about 6ft away from me as I type, I'm really really hoping you can't get SARS off packages?!!!

I did ask him, rather unpolitely to not order it, didn't stop him though On a serious note, is there a risk?

Ah well, it's been really nice knowing you all, bye for now

boxst

Hello

Well, SARS is supposedly transmitted via air-bourne droplets. So they would have dried out by now.

On the other hand, I certainly wouldn't go and lick the outside of the package. But unless you are into VERY specialised things, that probably wouldn't be normal behaviour.

Steve.

BOB.T

Cool, I'm not planning on even touching said package never mind licking it!

Thanks

clarence

Don't be too paranoid abt it. Those virus can only live for abt 3 hrs outside its host. Seriously, if u have high level of personal hygiene, then chances of u falling ill (on any sort of disease) is low.
If u're really scared, clean the package with diluted household bleach (1 part to 99 parts water), then wipe clean with clean water (to rinse away the bleach). Then u can touch it with ur bare hands. Those virus gets killed by diluted bleach.

BOB.T

Hmm, it's about 3 days since it set off from HK and I had a shower this morning, jobs a guddun then eh?

I'm still not gonna lick it though

Cheers

Hammy Hamster

Hold a canary bird near the box for a few minutes. If the canary doesn't start to cough or complain about having a headache then you'll probably be okay.

Ratman

This model from Hong Kong...is she coughing?

Ratman

Jza

World Health have told people not to touch anything unnecessarily over in bejing... so it might be worth putting on gloves just in case - wont hurt you to do so... but i wouldnt bother with the full enviro suit!!

Jza

Markus

i think the risk of getting SARS from a package is very unlikley, I've not heard of any cases of SARS that have been attributed to coming from packaging, as said, it's airbourne so unless the package was in the close proximity to someone with SARS, and then it was sealed, in a container that contained air that the SARS infected person had breathed out, then I'd not worry one bit.

Hell, I'm in Toronto at the moment, and I've been walking around in very busy places and I'm not at all worried about SARS. well, the only worry is that the UK might quarantine me when I want to come back

BOB.T

Still alive, yay

clarence

Don't need to worry m8, as yet no postal workers or anyone connected with Hong Kong Post has been infected (there's a list in HK Govt's website, detailing the buildings that has confirmed SARS cases). I'm in HK myself, although the situation is worrying, it doesn't stop me going out, albeit always wearing a surgeon's mask & wash hands all the time.
China is a different matter tho, the only thing u can trust there are the rumours & gossips. I wouldn't want to goto any parts of China tho, but Toronto for me is fine.

BOB.T

Well, I'm still here and feeling surprisingly well actually

We've opened the package too, found a nice model Mondeo touring car The annoying bit is it only cost £6 in postage and took 3 days to get here....you'd pay double and have to wait a week over here

Thanks for putting my mind to rest

boxst

Bob:

Hey, say thanks in two weeks. Fourteen day incubation period apparently!

Steve.

BOB.T

Well, if I'm not here in 14 days I'm gonna haunt you all

Sith

BOB, well post the web address for this model site then..... I don't know, tell us what the goodies are then doesn't tell what else is available or how to get it

scooby_jim

You really have to feel sorry for these people walking around wearing masks, they offer little/no protection at all from this virus. Think about it, an open route into your system is your eyes as well as your mouth and nasal passage. The only thing that will stop it 100 % is a full biohazard suit, wearing a proper gas/biological warfare mask ala Gulf war etc. should be sufficient though. You CAN catch this virus through contact of surfaces, the virus has an extra coating on it's surface that allows it to survive in the open for a limited period of time. I work in the Biotech sector so I guess I have a good idea of what I am talking about here..

Picked up my folks from Heathrow Terminal 3 a couple weeks back and the people with masks made me feel very nervous. Haven't developed any symptoms yet though!

Jim

Leslie

Is the model fit?

Les