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Someone please sort me out!!!
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Ok,so since this whole pandemic started,my OCD and anxiety have slowly started to spiral out of control.
I know there is a whole mix of people on here,some taking extra precautions regarding cleaning and some not doing anything different....
I bought a weighted blankets which arrived a couple of days ago but I still haven't even opened the box.
Logic tells me it will be fine and virus free but my OCD is screaming at me that it's not safe and not to touch it.
I know it's extreme but unfortunately it's happening and I am looking for voices of reason please!!!
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open? |
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?"
No, you can't seem to get gloves anywhere nowadays!!
I try to to give my OCD power but it's getting harder. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?
No, you can't seem to get gloves anywhere nowadays!!
I try to to give my OCD power but it's getting harder."
I'm sorry. I have OCD and it was relatively well controlled until all this started. So I get where you're coming from.
Someone gave me some glasses and cups the other day but I am scared to touch them because - germs!! |
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?
No, you can't seem to get gloves anywhere nowadays!!
I try to to give my OCD power but it's getting harder.
I'm sorry. I have OCD and it was relatively well controlled until all this started. So I get where you're coming from.
Someone gave me some glasses and cups the other day but I am scared to touch them because - germs!!"
Mine is stupid at the moment and it's so frustrating, I bought a saucepan and had to let it soak in bleach before I could wash it in hot soapy water.
Even then it makes me anxious!
It's so bloody tiring!!x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?
No, you can't seem to get gloves anywhere nowadays!!
I try to to give my OCD power but it's getting harder.
I'm sorry. I have OCD and it was relatively well controlled until all this started. So I get where you're coming from.
Someone gave me some glasses and cups the other day but I am scared to touch them because - germs!!"
Situations like this affect mental health the worst. It heightens your issues to almost uncontrollable levels.
Is there any alternative ways to make contact that won't trigger your OCD? Pillow cases? Toilet paper? Unfortunately that's all I've thought of so far  |
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?
No, you can't seem to get gloves anywhere nowadays!!
I try to to give my OCD power but it's getting harder.
I'm sorry. I have OCD and it was relatively well controlled until all this started. So I get where you're coming from.
Someone gave me some glasses and cups the other day but I am scared to touch them because - germs!!
Situations like this affect mental health the worst. It heightens your issues to almost uncontrollable levels.
Is there any alternative ways to make contact that won't trigger your OCD? Pillow cases? Toilet paper? Unfortunately that's all I've thought of so far "
The trouble with an OCD brain is that it won't shut up!
I could get the blanket out of the packaging and wash it but then I'd worry that washing it didn't kill the virus that could potentially be on it,so then my washing machine becomes a potential place for the virus and then wherever I put the blanket to dry.
I'm assuming it's the same with the cups and glasses....
Everything just becomes an invisible risk.
Logic tells us that everything is fine but OCD shouts louder.
It's so infuriating and debilitating.
Your offers of advice are appreciated though x |
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Although sky news seems to suggest that packaging does not support the virus I fear that this is so people still by newspapers !
Studies show that cardboard can sustain the virus for 24 hours but the drop off is quick.
Assuming there is inner packaging I would suggest you put on your marigolds open the box - let the blankets fall out (don’t pick them out ) put the box in the bin (or outdoors) go and wash your hands with marigolds still on - the detergent will break down the virus. If you needed a knife to cut the wrapping wash that too then put it in the dishwasher. You can assume that the packages was boxed up at least 24 hours before it arrived with you so will be safe - the longest time period for the virus survival seems to be 72 hours.
If you have a steam cleaner then you can blast it with that first !
You should be fine - once opened snuggle and relax  |
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I don't have OCD, but I do have anxiety. And yes, it's been a struggle because... it's partly real?
What techniques do you have to manage normally? I use mindfulness meditation to let the anxious feelings be without amplifying them.
If it helps, I do voluntary work with vulnerable people and we're leaving anything for three days. The evidence suggests that the virus degrades on surfaces in that time.
Solidarity. |
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"Have you tried https://ocdaction.org.uk/getting-support/help-and-information-line"
Thank you, I have therapy every week and am on medication,although since the virus came about I only get a phone call once every 3 weeks! |
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Sorry to hear you're having a hard time, I have OCD which is generally well managed now with medication and a crap load of therapy! I know when it's bad it's no fun
The thing is with OCD seeking reassurance on forums like this is an ocd compulsion in itself - people will reassure you, you will feel very temporary relief, then ocd will creep back in asking you "but what if....." and the cycle starts again 
It is not easy to fight compulsion, ocd completely ruined a good chunk of my life, you need proper professional help and support. Have you spoken to your GP?
Sending lots of love at such a difficult time xx |
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"I don't have OCD, but I do have anxiety. And yes, it's been a struggle because... it's partly real?
What techniques do you have to manage normally? I use mindfulness meditation to let the anxious feelings be without amplifying them.
If it helps, I do voluntary work with vulnerable people and we're leaving anything for three days. The evidence suggests that the virus degrades on surfaces in that time.
Solidarity."
I know hospitals are leaving the knitted hearts bagged up for 3 days so I know it should be fine, it's just the what it's!!
I have tried mindfulness and guided meditations,they are both amazing but unfortunately sometimes the feeling of relaxation makes me feel panicked,like a loss of control.
I love a complicated mind!!
There are so many people out there suffering at the moment |
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"I don't have OCD, but I do have anxiety. And yes, it's been a struggle because... it's partly real?
What techniques do you have to manage normally? I use mindfulness meditation to let the anxious feelings be without amplifying them.
If it helps, I do voluntary work with vulnerable people and we're leaving anything for three days. The evidence suggests that the virus degrades on surfaces in that time.
Solidarity.
I know hospitals are leaving the knitted hearts bagged up for 3 days so I know it should be fine, it's just the what it's!!
I have tried mindfulness and guided meditations,they are both amazing but unfortunately sometimes the feeling of relaxation makes me feel panicked,like a loss of control.
I love a complicated mind!!
There are so many people out there suffering at the moment "
Mindfulness isn't always relaxation. It's sort of, not feeding the anxiety. Let the feeling pass, like weather.
Ultimately - and it's an issue for therapy - dealing with anxiety is accepting the loss of control. I have good and bad days with it. I empathise. |
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"Sorry to hear you're having a hard time, I have OCD which is generally well managed now with medication and a crap load of therapy! I know when it's bad it's no fun
The thing is with OCD seeking reassurance on forums like this is an ocd compulsion in itself - people will reassure you, you will feel very temporary relief, then ocd will creep back in asking you "but what if....." and the cycle starts again
It is not easy to fight compulsion, ocd completely ruined a good chunk of my life, you need proper professional help and support. Have you spoken to your GP?
Sending lots of love at such a difficult time xx "
You are so right and I'm well aware that my seeking reassurance is a compulsion!!
But at the moment I'm acting on all of them which is why I know it's out of control!!
I'm glad to hear you are managing your OCD, it's a hard one to deal with.
I was diagnosed at 21 and been medicated but they can't seem to find a medication that really helps.
It's always great to hear from people that have managed to get on top of it though so thank you x |
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By *andAukCouple
over a year ago
leeds |
Sure I've had mild undiagnosed OCD for years but not enough to effect day to day life. Things have to be a certain way or I have cold sweats and become anxious, cleaning what's already been cleaned and the likes. Some days I'm fine others I'm not, seems to be worse away from home and the safer environment. The virus has made things more difficult for me. Wash my hands all of the time will leave mail and parcels on the floor for days until I feel that they're safer to deal with.
I don't know how you can cope full blown. I'm back in work next week from Monday and quite dreading it. All of the constant cleaning of things after people have been touching.
Sorry can't really give any advice that hasn't already been offered. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?
No, you can't seem to get gloves anywhere nowadays!!
I try to to give my OCD power but it's getting harder.
I'm sorry. I have OCD and it was relatively well controlled until all this started. So I get where you're coming from.
Someone gave me some glasses and cups the other day but I am scared to touch them because - germs!!
Situations like this affect mental health the worst. It heightens your issues to almost uncontrollable levels.
Is there any alternative ways to make contact that won't trigger your OCD? Pillow cases? Toilet paper? Unfortunately that's all I've thought of so far
The trouble with an OCD brain is that it won't shut up!
I could get the blanket out of the packaging and wash it but then I'd worry that washing it didn't kill the virus that could potentially be on it,so then my washing machine becomes a potential place for the virus and then wherever I put the blanket to dry.
I'm assuming it's the same with the cups and glasses....
Everything just becomes an invisible risk.
Logic tells us that everything is fine but OCD shouts louder.
It's so infuriating and debilitating.
Your offers of advice are appreciated though x"
you could spray down the box before you open it with you kitchen gloves
maybe try reading online about the virus too, im sure the reason you only need soap not antibacterial is something to do with how it breaks down fatty residue protecting it or something, but maybe being armed with the facts will help to calm the anxiety spiralling about the washing machine etc |
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"Sure I've had mild undiagnosed OCD for years but not enough to effect day to day life. Things have to be a certain way or I have cold sweats and become anxious, cleaning what's already been cleaned and the likes. Some days I'm fine others I'm not, seems to be worse away from home and the safer environment. The virus has made things more difficult for me. Wash my hands all of the time will leave mail and parcels on the floor for days until I feel that they're safer to deal with.
I don't know how you can cope full blown. I'm back in work next week from Monday and quite dreading it. All of the constant cleaning of things after people have been touching.
Sorry can't really give any advice that hasn't already been offered. "
I think it's just helpful to know I'm not alone to be honest,any mental illness is very lonely as you are trying to deal with it inside a head that is ultimately working to keep fear alive.
I don't envy you at all having to go back to work,I certainly couldn't do it at the moment so massive respect to you and everyone else having to leave their bubble xx |
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"
You are so right and I'm well aware that my seeking reassurance is a compulsion!!
But at the moment I'm acting on all of them which is why I know it's out of control!!
I'm glad to hear you are managing your OCD, it's a hard one to deal with.
I was diagnosed at 21 and been medicated but they can't seem to find a medication that really helps.
It's always great to hear from people that have managed to get on top of it though so thank you x"
After I posted this i saw that you have a therapist so figured you probably already knew a lot about how ocd works lol. Yeah my ocd has been horrid at times, I didn't leave the house for a whole year at one point, went to bed every night praying for death
Obviously it's different for everyone but what worked for me was ERP therapy and 200mg Clomipramine. I've had ocd since 8 years old and finally got on top of it at 33 years old. 6 years later I'm still managing it ok. Its always there, but it doesnt run my life anymore.
This virus would knock anyone, people with no anxiety issues are struggling massively so of course we're going to. All our worst fears are coming true! |
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?
No, you can't seem to get gloves anywhere nowadays!!
I try to to give my OCD power but it's getting harder.
I'm sorry. I have OCD and it was relatively well controlled until all this started. So I get where you're coming from.
Someone gave me some glasses and cups the other day but I am scared to touch them because - germs!!
Situations like this affect mental health the worst. It heightens your issues to almost uncontrollable levels.
Is there any alternative ways to make contact that won't trigger your OCD? Pillow cases? Toilet paper? Unfortunately that's all I've thought of so far
The trouble with an OCD brain is that it won't shut up!
I could get the blanket out of the packaging and wash it but then I'd worry that washing it didn't kill the virus that could potentially be on it,so then my washing machine becomes a potential place for the virus and then wherever I put the blanket to dry.
I'm assuming it's the same with the cups and glasses....
Everything just becomes an invisible risk.
Logic tells us that everything is fine but OCD shouts louder.
It's so infuriating and debilitating.
Your offers of advice are appreciated though x
you could spray down the box before you open it with you kitchen gloves
maybe try reading online about the virus too, im sure the reason you only need soap not antibacterial is something to do with how it breaks down fatty residue protecting it or something, but maybe being armed with the facts will help to calm the anxiety spiralling about the washing machine etc "
Yeah unfortunately another compulsion is to research everything and you are totally right,it's about breaking down the outer layer.
It's just the what ifs that make it harder!
I totally appreciate the comment and think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and wash the silly thing!
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"
You are so right and I'm well aware that my seeking reassurance is a compulsion!!
But at the moment I'm acting on all of them which is why I know it's out of control!!
I'm glad to hear you are managing your OCD, it's a hard one to deal with.
I was diagnosed at 21 and been medicated but they can't seem to find a medication that really helps.
It's always great to hear from people that have managed to get on top of it though so thank you x
After I posted this i saw that you have a therapist so figured you probably already knew a lot about how ocd works lol. Yeah my ocd has been horrid at times, I didn't leave the house for a whole year at one point, went to bed every night praying for death
Obviously it's different for everyone but what worked for me was ERP therapy and 200mg Clomipramine. I've had ocd since 8 years old and finally got on top of it at 33 years old. 6 years later I'm still managing it ok. Its always there, but it doesnt run my life anymore.
This virus would knock anyone, people with no anxiety issues are struggling massively so of course we're going to. All our worst fears are coming true! "
That's interesting,they have never tried me on any tricyclic antidepressants,I've just been through all the SSRI ones with hardly any response.
I will bring this up with the psychiatrist next week though as it could be a way forward x |
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"... but yes, there are certainly limits to the usefulness of research!
I have my good sources and I stick to them."
Oh yes, the sources are so important!
There is a lot of misinformation out there! |
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"
You are so right and I'm well aware that my seeking reassurance is a compulsion!!
But at the moment I'm acting on all of them which is why I know it's out of control!!
I'm glad to hear you are managing your OCD, it's a hard one to deal with.
I was diagnosed at 21 and been medicated but they can't seem to find a medication that really helps.
It's always great to hear from people that have managed to get on top of it though so thank you x
After I posted this i saw that you have a therapist so figured you probably already knew a lot about how ocd works lol. Yeah my ocd has been horrid at times, I didn't leave the house for a whole year at one point, went to bed every night praying for death
Obviously it's different for everyone but what worked for me was ERP therapy and 200mg Clomipramine. I've had ocd since 8 years old and finally got on top of it at 33 years old. 6 years later I'm still managing it ok. Its always there, but it doesnt run my life anymore.
This virus would knock anyone, people with no anxiety issues are struggling massively so of course we're going to. All our worst fears are coming true!
That's interesting,they have never tried me on any tricyclic antidepressants,I've just been through all the SSRI ones with hardly any response.
I will bring this up with the psychiatrist next week though as it could be a way forward x"
I take an SNRI for what it's worth |
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"... but yes, there are certainly limits to the usefulness of research!
I have my good sources and I stick to them.
Oh yes, the sources are so important!
There is a lot of misinformation out there!"
Thus Week in Virology is an excellent podcast. Calm and evidence based. |
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"
You are so right and I'm well aware that my seeking reassurance is a compulsion!!
But at the moment I'm acting on all of them which is why I know it's out of control!!
I'm glad to hear you are managing your OCD, it's a hard one to deal with.
I was diagnosed at 21 and been medicated but they can't seem to find a medication that really helps.
It's always great to hear from people that have managed to get on top of it though so thank you x
After I posted this i saw that you have a therapist so figured you probably already knew a lot about how ocd works lol. Yeah my ocd has been horrid at times, I didn't leave the house for a whole year at one point, went to bed every night praying for death
Obviously it's different for everyone but what worked for me was ERP therapy and 200mg Clomipramine. I've had ocd since 8 years old and finally got on top of it at 33 years old. 6 years later I'm still managing it ok. Its always there, but it doesnt run my life anymore.
This virus would knock anyone, people with no anxiety issues are struggling massively so of course we're going to. All our worst fears are coming true!
That's interesting,they have never tried me on any tricyclic antidepressants,I've just been through all the SSRI ones with hardly any response.
I will bring this up with the psychiatrist next week though as it could be a way forward x
I take an SNRI for what it's worth"
I was on venlafaxine for a long time but the side effects outweighed any benefit for me which was a shame.
Thanks for the name of the podcast,I will check it out |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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From what I've read the virus doesn't survive on fabrics for very long.
All the govt guidance rwaltwd to hygiene is because it can live on hard surfaces for a couple of days.
For things like cardboard, food packaging and other fabrics it's significantly less of an issue.
Public Health England had to put guidance on food packaging because people started cleaning all of the shoppimg they had bought when it want necessary. |
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By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago
upton wirral |
"Ok,so since this whole pandemic started,my OCD and anxiety have slowly started to spiral out of control.
I know there is a whole mix of people on here,some taking extra precautions regarding cleaning and some not doing anything different....
I bought a weighted blankets which arrived a couple of days ago but I still haven't even opened the box.
Logic tells me it will be fine and virus free but my OCD is screaming at me that it's not safe and not to touch it.
I know it's extreme but unfortunately it's happening and I am looking for voices of reason please!!!
"
Just open it I think your being neurotic to be honest,sorry if you find this offensive but life goes on.The chances of you catching anything of this package is probably the same as it was before virus,after opening wash our hands |
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"If you have a garden, open the box outside and peg it on the washing line, strong UV light from sunshine degrades the virus, then you can wash it safely in your washing machine "
Thanks that's a good idea x |
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By *eeBee67Man
over a year ago
Masked and Distant |
We leave all delivered packages out in the fresh air for a couple of hours.
Open the package and straight in the bin with it.
Hand wash / sanitise after opening.
I am anxious about the virus but try to look at the facts logically and it helps me.
At the worst (top end of ONS stats) only 1 in every 1000 people have the virus.
The package has not been handled by 1000 people. So chances are very very slim it's been handled by someone infected.
If everyone is handwashing and sanitizing, the chances of the package being handled by someone infected, who hasn't washed their hands is so minuscule.
Just my way of coping. |
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"We leave all delivered packages out in the fresh air for a couple of hours.
Open the package and straight in the bin with it.
Hand wash / sanitise after opening.
I am anxious about the virus but try to look at the facts logically and it helps me.
At the worst (top end of ONS stats) only 1 in every 1000 people have the virus.
The package has not been handled by 1000 people. So chances are very very slim it's been handled by someone infected.
If everyone is handwashing and sanitizing, the chances of the package being handled by someone infected, who hasn't washed their hands is so minuscule.
Just my way of coping."
Thank you,it's really helpful to hear what others are doing x |
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By *eeBee67Man
over a year ago
Masked and Distant |
"We leave all delivered packages out in the fresh air for a couple of hours.
Open the package and straight in the bin with it.
Hand wash / sanitise after opening.
I am anxious about the virus but try to look at the facts logically and it helps me.
At the worst (top end of ONS stats) only 1 in every 1000 people have the virus.
The package has not been handled by 1000 people. So chances are very very slim it's been handled by someone infected.
If everyone is handwashing and sanitizing, the chances of the package being handled by someone infected, who hasn't washed their hands is so minuscule.
Just my way of coping.
Thank you,it's really helpful to hear what others are doing x"
We all have different ways of coping and dealing with things. My eldest daughter didn't leave the house for 8 weeks. Not shielding, just overly anxious.
We sat down and discussed things, she now doesn't watch the news or read papers, and surprisingly her anxiety has dropped.
Look past the headlines and find the actual numbers of infections, eases my mind a lot. |
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?"
Do you mean virus or do you not know the difference between virus and bacteria ?
|
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"Any possible bacteria would be gone by now. I'm sorry it must be so difficult to have OCD on top of the stress most people are dealing with at the moment. Do you have any gloves you could wear or maybe some tissues you could use to cover your hands so you can get the box open?
Do you mean virus or do you not know the difference between virus and bacteria ?
"
72h in a room before you open or touch the box |
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