According to CDC the main transmission of the coronavirus is from Person-to-Person. It maybe possible for coronavirus to be spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html)

A study finds that the virus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. This is the first study by scientists at a federal laboratory to test the actual virus causing the current pandemic. (Article: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/03/14/npr-the-new-coronavirus-can-live-on-surfaces-for-2-3-days-heres-how-to-clean-them Research Study Report: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.09.20033217v1.full.pdf

While they are still learning how this spreads, let us not take chances. This petition aims to achieve two things.

First is a request to the Health and Human Services department at the federal, state (Texas), and local (San Antonio) levels. Please consider implementing plans IMMEDIATELY to prevent people from returning grocery but one that does not penalize businesses for not accepting returns during this time frame. This plans should be implements in all places that are under a State of Emergency for coronavirus.

Second is a request to businesses. Please stop accepting any returns during this times. This is to protect not only yourselves and your employees but also the general public from spreading the coronavirus.

Lastly, we request you join us in this petition and leave comments on how we can make this happen in an effective way. Please share this petition with your family, friends and neighbors via your social media, NextDoor, and any other communication methods you may use.