Geocaching Containers and COVID-19

There seems to be concern and discussion related to geocaching containers.  The question is can someone be infected if they find a cache which has been found by another geocacher carrying the COVID-19 virus.  There's limited information about the virus' ability to survive, but the existing data seems to indicate there is little risk in handling a geocache container unless it has been handled very recently by a COVID-19, positive geocacher.

Since most geocache containers are plastic, the best available information seems to say the virus can last as long as three days on a plastic cache container.  The virus however decays once it is on a container.  In the case of plastic, every seven hours, the virus strength deteriorates and becomes less dangerous to people until it is completely dead after 3 days.  It is also important to remember that the virus needs moisture to remain viable.  If it dries on a surface, it will die.

Cleaning a geocache container is nobel, but probably useless.  There are few chemicals that are effective in destroyng the virus.  If you want a list, check the EPA's N-list.  Make certain you are looking for products that are effective for Human Coronavirus.  Be certain to also look at how much contact time is required for the solution to stay on the surface to destroy the COVID-19 virus.  The list changes every few days (it's part of my work to be aware of this).  Most of the items on the list are items which are generally not available to the public.  Even if you could purchase them, they are no longer in stock.  There are two possible exceptions, some Lysol products and bleach which is shown on this list by its chemical name sodium hypochlorite.  Bleach solutions require longer residence times than some chemical products, but liquid bleach is still generally available.  Beware of product safety warnings if you choose this or any of these materials.

Simply wiping a geocache container generally will do nothing.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Maintain social distancing.  This means you shouldn't be caching with your best caching friends unless you live with them.  Keep six feet or more from others you meet in a park.  Air droplets from other cachers or other park visitors are still your greatest risk.

Don't touch your face with your hands when out caching.  The virus needs a path to your body.  Most common is eyes, mouth, and nose.  This is a respiratory virus so eyes, nose and mouth are the pathways into your body.  Wash your hands when you are done caching.

We enjoyed a break in the rain yesterday to complete a super Adventure Lab at Lakeview Cemetery.  The cemetery is a haven for walkers and was busy yesterday, but it is very large and great for social distancing.  The visitors were respectful of each other.  If you are in or near northeast Ohio, this is a great way to spend some time outdoors and make a few finds while staying safe.

Social Distance Geocaching

We were out caching together Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  We chose to visit some local parks in the Lake Metroparks to find caches on walking trails.  It was easy to maintain social distancing from other walkers and enjoy the afternoon.  These were some of our sights.

Enjoy the trails.  Find some caches.  Stay Safe.

Hoping For Better Days

Take care everyone.  Hopefully we can all meet for an event in better times.  Stay Safe.  Mr. Ollivander...  aka 1/2 of miatabug

OH COVID-19 as of 24 March 2020

3-D Printed Geocache Containers

On a stop at Harns Marsh, we enjoyed joining a pair of Canadian cachers for a few finds.  They were speaking positively of a cacher who was printing 3d geocache containers.  Ali took a look and spotted a hide that on out travel plan.  When we found stage 1, it was a 3d printed screw-top micro.  It was dry inside, but much of Florida is dry during early February.  April through fall will be a much better indicator.

I wasn't expecting the second one in a small, New York town on Lake Erie's southern shore.  It actually took me by surprise when I finally spotted the printing grooves.  There was a series of caches hidden for local students to find so they could explore geocaching.  These used to a good way to at least introduce youth to the game.  This would be even better if the nearby school had student participation with the design and printing of the container.  It was reasonably protected from harsh weather so it was hard to judge the inetgrity of the container.  I felt confident this would be water tight.

I've been curious about 3d containers since being told by a local cacher that Cuyahoga County Libraries now have 3d printers for use in their Innovation Centers.  They need to approve the design and the user needs to provide materials, but think of the creative options for containers.  I have no idea how many hours the containers above required to print or the cost of raw materials, but it could be a new twist on physical hides.

Snow Geocaching

It's hard to miss that cache in the snow when others have visited.  😉