COVID-19 hygienic measures
With the WHO branding the coronavirus as a global epidemic, I want to clarify how this affects your orders and my package handling.
We are now a 2 person business and both of us are fully vaccinated.
I take many measures to prevent myself from contracting the virus. On one hand to avoid falling ill and having to close the store. But mostly to prevent the virus of spreading via parcels.
I have become a bit of a hypochondriac myself, so this small etiquette guide is to keep you updated and to give you some peace of mind.
Belgium updates
To keep you all informed as much as possible, I will try to keep all current affairs up to date as much as possible.
If you speak Dutch you can follow live updates here >
Currently there are only 12.000 confirmed cases in Belgium (population 12 million). The majority is getting vaccinated and numbers are dropping dramatically (peak was 119.800) . Currently mouthmasks are still obliged when entering stores.
Transmission of the virus
Coronaviruses “primarily spread through close contact with another individual, in particular through coughing and sneezing on somebody else who is within a range of about 3 to 6 feet from that person,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, a state health officer for Washington.
Time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally between two and 14 days, with an average of five days.
Human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces at room temperature for up to 9 days. At a temperature of 30°C or more the duration of persistence is shorter.
Hygienic measures
All boots, leather, plastic, etc fabrics are wiped with disinfectant upon arrival. They are wiped a second time prior to shipping. All other fabrics are steamed upon arrival and also on departure since high temperatures shorten the contamination period. We air out every piece a few hours in the sun for extra freshness, but also as it has been proven UV-rays disinfect the garment.
I wash my hands with disinfectant prior to packing clothes. I cover my mouth while packing and quickly remove myself from the room should I feel a sneeze coming up. Of course my hands are washed and disinfected again after this.
Voluntary quarantine
I only go outside to do the necessary things, such as getting your Dirk Bikkembergs boots resoled. Many of my suppliers such as the drycleaners and retoucher offer home pick up and delivery.
Once I step outside I wear a mask. I put on gloves if I need to be in a store and have to touch things. I do not go to bars or restaurants. I do not order take-aways. And I do not go on holiday when the government allowed it.
My employee has the same mindset.
In case of infection
The virus is contagious person-to-person during an incubation period of 14 days. Coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces up to 9 days. Should we show symptoms, even as we both are fully vaccinated (prior to getting tested): all people that ordered 3 weeks before this will be notified. If your package is on its way, you’ll also be notified in advance.
Your parcels are handled by many people on their way to you. I would recommend placing your parcel in a separate room until this period has passed. Don’t forget to wash your hands after receiving the box.
Parcel delays
We shipped temporarily via DHL. Due to their heavily increased rates, we will be shipping via BPost again.
Shipping is FREE for all orders over 300€.
Shipping within Belgium and to the Netherlands, France and Germany is also free.
Shipping takes around 2-3 days on average in Europe, 6 days to the US and around 7 days worldwide. See below for details. These are business days and exclude weekends.
For detailed shipping rates, please see our Shipping & Deliveries page
Any other questions?
If you have more questions, or any specific questions about your parcel, you can mail info(at)vaniitas(dot)com.
We answer within 1-12 hours, depending on the time difference.
Sources:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-01-contagious-wuhan-coronavirus-symptoms.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/how-does-new-coronavirus-spread-n1121856
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670120300463