Since the coronavirus outbreak arose, the WHO has repeatedly explained that a person can become infected by contact with another who is infected with the virus. When someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or exhales, droplets that contaminate targets and surfaces come out of their nose and mouth . If a healthy person’s hands come in contact with these objects or surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected. The transmission can also be airby breathing in droplets that a person with the disease has spread by coughing, sneezing, or exhaling. Its contagiousness depends on the amount of the virus in the respiratory tract, explains the Ministry of Health, which points to the low probability of transmission by air at distances greater than 1-2 meters. For these two reasons, the main recommendations of public bodies are: take extreme measures of hygiene and cleanliness and maintain a safe distance between people.
The latest studies published in relation to Covid-19 and its life on various surfaces show that it can be found in aerosols for three hours, can stay up to four in copper and reach 24 hours in cardboard . In addition, its life is extended to two or three days in plastics and stainless steels . That is why it is important to maintain good disinfecting hygiene at home, up to where both contaminated shoe soles and contaminated products bought outside can go.
In houses where there is no infection , it is important to frequently clean commonly used surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, taps … This measure is especially relevant also in neighboring communities, where it has been discouraged use spaces such as the elevator. It must be remembered that until several days pass, the symptoms do not show and, therefore, it is when more people can be infected. In addition, there are other people who pass the disease being asymptomatic, but that does not mean that they cannot infect others. It is advisable to use disposable cloths and bleach (1 part of 5% bleach for 99 of water). And always wash your hands when you’re done.
When it comes to washing clothes , there are five tips that ABC has already outlined that will be key to disinfecting them correctly: use more water than usual in each wash, also use more detergent than usual, use disinfectants (if clothes are contaminated), program washing at 60ºC and, if possible, using a high-temperature dryer in the dryer. In addition, it is also advisable to wash the dishes at a high temperature, preferably in a dishwasher.
Regarding contagion through food , the European Agency for
Food Safety (EFSA) has stated that there is currently no evidence that food may be a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. “Experiences from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-1 or the coronavirus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), indicate that there was no transmission through food consumption. There is currently no evidence to suggest that this coronavirus is different in that regard, “says Marga Hugas, chief scientist at EFSA.
In addition, you should also try to disinfect the screens of mobile phones, tablets and computers that are used frequently. To clean this type of device, the use of soapy water or liquid detergent is recommended, but if we also want to disinfect it, it is important to use cleaning agents with alcohol or an alcohol solution with a 70% concentration. Solvents cannot be used as they can damage the plastic or rubber parts of the terminals and also do not provide a disinfecting effect.
If there is an infected at home
Cleaning should be done with a mixture of water and bleach (one part of the cleaner for every 99 of water) in a four-liter bucket and disposable material should be used to carry out disinfection. This cleaning, which must be done with gloves and masks , must be after using the bathroom and daily on the most used surfaces .
For their part, clothes and dishes should be washed at a minimum of 60 degrees, taking care not to touch the clothes of the family member infected with coronavirus without gloves. Clothing, in fact, is recommended to be kept in airtight and closed bags before washing . Same for bedding, curtains, etc. They should be washed with a hot water cycle (90 degrees) and add laundry detergent. If hot water cannot be used, specific chemicals should be added when washing textiles (for example, bleach). The towels will be used only once and will be disposed of in a specific bucket for subsequent washing.
