The virus is mainly transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). A person can be infected when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Therefore it is essential to maintain a good personal and household hygiene practice to protect yourself and your family from the virus.
On-the-go Personal Hygiene Essentials
When you leave home, make sure you pack these items in your bag with you to stay safe in public.
Protective mask
Studies have shown that wearing a surgical mask can potentially prevent us from getting infected by respiratory viruses, such as influenza. The disposable surgical masks block fluids or large particle droplets from entering your mouth and nose.
Hand sanitizer (over 60% alcohol)
Keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of viruses by using a hand sanitizer when washing hand washing is unavailable or inconvenient. The active ingredient ethyl alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol can be effective at inactivating enveloped viruses, including coronavirus.
Disinfecting wipes
People may acquire the virus after touching contaminated objects. So if you are dining out or touching surfaces or objects, consider wiping the table or surfaces before you touch them.
Ethyl alcohol spray
If you are out of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, you can use 60% ethyl alcohol to spray on any surfaces you wish to disinfect and wipe, as well as to sanitizer your hands.
At-Home
Home should be a safe place to be, but contamination of surfaces from airborne particles or from touching surfaces with contaminated hands is possible. Clean your home regularly to protect you and your family from the virus, especially for the high-touched areas:
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Tables
- Chairs
- Handrails
- Kitchen & bathroom surfaces
- Toilets
- Remote controls
Soap
Clean your hands frequently and properly is one of the most important measures that can be used to prevent infection with the coronavirus. The WHO also recommends that individuals wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the toilet or when hands are visibly dirty, before eating and after blowing one’s nose.
Bleach & disinfectants
Bleach and other disinfectants destroy the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Approved products include bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and other common household chemicals and cleaning products.
It’s important not to wipe cleaning solutions off as soon as you’ve applied it to a surface. Many disinfectant products, such as wipes and sprays, need to stay wet on a for a specific amount of time in order to fully destroy viruses and bacteria. Use disinfectants the right way following the directions on the label. Read the label to find out what types of surfaces you can use the product on and follow all the safety precautions listed on the label.
DO NOT drink or ingest bleach or any other disinfectant, and never apply them to your skin.
Ethyl alcohol (Over 60%)
Ethyl and isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces at home, as well as grocery items and food packaging. Make sure the packaging is properly closed and the food will not contact directly with the alcohol.
Remember that alcohol is a flammable material, so after application avoid having any open flame in the area.
