The current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting everyone and everything! Since the Coronavirus pandemic has killed Millions of people to date and many more are still being affected worldwide, and even though there are vaccinations going on, avoiding the disease is our best bet. We need be aware of the surfaces through which it can transfer and all the necessary precautionary measures which we could take to protect ourselves and others.

RISKIEST SURFACES FOR CORONA VIRUS AND THEIR TRANSMISSION

The Coronavirus can transmit from person to person who is in close contact with one another. Coronaviruses are generally transmitted through droplets sprayed out when an infected person sneezes, coughs or even talks. These droplets can either directly land on surfaces or when an infected person touches a surface. The virus can then spread if a person touches the contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands.

The surfaces that are most prone to the viral contamination includes doorknobs, faucets, mobile phones, toys, TV remote controls, light switches, elevator buttons, computers, laptops, shopping cart handles, tables, chairs, desks, computer mice, toilet handles and similar surfaces that get plenty of traffic.

A recent study by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that how long the virus can survive depends on the type of surface. It was found that such a virus can stay on plastic or stainless steel for up to 3 days, on cardboard for 24 hours and on copper surfaces for 4 hours. It means that the riskiest surfaces are those which do not contain copper in them such as doorknobs or faucets etc. This is because microbes are quickly destroyed by copper and materials which contain copper because of the copper ions in them, which are electrically charged particles that destroy the outer layer of viruses and bacteria and ruin the genetic material that they use to replicate.

Studies also showed that the coronaviruses can survive longer on surfaces than cold viruses, but not as long as flu viruses. However, respiratory viruses generally only remain infectious for hours or days on surfaces.

Another study regarding coronavirus showed that those surfaces are more prone to viral contamination which are smooth, such as plastic or metal. Viruses generally don’t survive as long on porous surfaces like paper or clothing. Also, indoor surfaces are riskier than outdoor surfaces, because the UV rays in the sun can kill the viruses.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT CORONA VIRUS TRANSMISSION

It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves and surroundings continuously to help in protecting our loved ones and stopping the spread of the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a checklist of the following standard guidelines to help prevent the transmission and protect yourself from coronavirus infections.

1.  Avoid close contact with infected people
2.  Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after using the washroom or blowing your nose, before preparing food or after you have been in a public place
3. Frequently use an alcohol-based sanitizer with 70% alcohol
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently and with unwashed hands
5. Cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow while coughing or sneezing, then dispose of the used tissue properly and immediately
6. Make sure you and the people around you follow a good respiratory hygiene
7. Cook meat and eggs properly and thoroughly
8. Try to avoid going outside unless it is necessary
9. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the house daily using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes. The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces first with soap and water, secondly disinfecting them with EPA registered household disinfectants including:

10. Restrict your contact with pets or other animals if you are sick
11. The CDC recommends that people who show COVID-19 symptoms to wear a face mask to help in the prevention of the disease from spreading to others
12. The CDC also recommends wearing disposable gloves while cleaning and disposing of them after
13. If you feel like having fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention as soon as possible and refrain from self – medication

HYGIENE MEASURES FOR THE BUSINESS INDUSTRY

Workplace hygiene includes the practice of cleanliness in the work environment to safeguard the health of employees and avoid diseases. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise, every business industry which involves many employees working together at the same place should also take some precautionary measures to prevent themselves and others from getting infected. Here is a list of some important hygienic measures to apply while being in a workplace.

1. Employees should clean their hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer
2. Keep a personal sanitizer if you have to go outside frequently
3. Employees should wash their hands with soap and water frequently and after using the washroom
4. Make sure the passageways, floors, doorways, exit routes, workplaces and washrooms are clean and free of grease and dirt
5. Make a checklist for cleaning to make sure that everywhere gets clean
6. Toilets should be cleaned and disinfected regularly
7. Workplace pieces of equipment which are frequently used such as worktables, chairs, desks, computers, laptops and other furniture should be regularly cleaned with a good quality disinfectant
8. Employees who have to deliver goods should wear a face mask, gloves and keep a sanitizer with them at all times
9. Employees should avoid shaking hands, wear face masks, and avoid sitting very close to each other during meetings or work
10. If any employee is sick they should avoid coming to the workplace or encouraged to work from home
11. Pest control measures should also be carried out yearly