Dr Ranj clears up several Coronavirus myths

Should you wash your shopping?

Dr Ranj
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 30th Apr 2020

NHS A&E doctor and Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Ranj joined Hits Radio Breakfast with Fleur East, James and producer Matt this morning (30th April), to talk about many of the Coronavirus myths that have been circulating recently.

Asking questions like should we wash our shopping or wipe our mail, to does the virus 'like' more people than others? We found out what we should and shouldn't believe.

WATCH: Dr Ranj clears up the Coronavirus myths

Asking Dr Ranj if you should wash your shopping or wipe your mail, the Strictly Come Dancing star said, "A lot of people have been talking about whether we need to be washing like any shopping and packaging, or whether we should be handling mail. Just in case you pick up the virus.

"Now, what we know from the evidence is that the virus doesn’t survive very long on other surfaces. It can, but on things like paper and cardboard we don't think it survives very long at all. It may survive for longer on hard surfaces, like work tops, which is why we advise people to generally clean your house and stuff.

"If you're worried about that kind of stuff, the best thing to do is put your shopping away and then wash your hands afterwards. You don't need to worry about washing the shopping."

During the interview, Dr Ranj also addressed whether or not we should be wearing masks and gloves when we're in public spaces, and whether the virus 'likes' more people than others?

Dr Ranj explained, although he doesn't think certain blood groups are more likely to get Coronavirus, there are some people who are at a higher risk if they contract it, such as elderly, those with underlying health conditions, men and people from the BAME (Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority) communities.

"We're not quite sure why," Dr Ranj admitted, "We're not sure if it's a genetic thing, or if it's a socio-economic thing...

"That's something that people are looking at in terms of research right now," he continued.

As well as working in an NHS A&E department, Dr Ranj has also been busy with some of this medical friends on a new podcast called Steths, drugs & rock 'n' roll. The podcast features Dr Ranj along with Dr Sara and Dr Zoe who are NHS GPs and Dr Tijion who is a private cosmetic doctor.

The podcast, which only started after the Coronavirus Pandemic, has already become the Number 1 medical podcast in the UK.

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