Keeping safe

This article summarises some of the key actions you can take to prevent your household becoming infected with the coronavirus.

For government advice go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus 

Some science

·        The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (RNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat). Essentially it is a parasite that requires other living cells to fluorish. When it is absorbed by the cells in the eyes, nose or mouth, it converts these cells into aggressor and multiplier cells which cause disease. The virus cannot be absorbed through healthy skin.

·        There is only ONE coronavirus causing the disease Covid-19.

·        The virus decays on its own – its disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies. It disintegrates within 3 hours (fabric and porous), 4 hours (copper, and wood), 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal) and 72 hours (plastic and other metal surfaces).  The virus molecules remain more stable in the cold, damp, and dark. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster as does UV light.

·        The main thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat.  Removing that protection is key to its inactivation.

o   Soap or detergent is the best remedy - by dissolving the fat layer

o   Heat also helps as it dissolves fat; this is why it is better to use hot water for washing. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.  Heating at 70 degrees for 5 minutes in an oven is sufficient to deactivate the virus. Microwaves are not of themselves toxic to the virus.  It is the heat generated that is effective. 

o   Alcohol - any mixture of 65% or more alcohol dissolves fat, especially the external lipid layer of the virus. Vodka at 40% is not effective but listerine is.

o   Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein

o   Vinegar is not effective

o   Bactericidal solutions provide no benefit

Being practical

There are two ways you can become infected.  By touching an infected object and then touching your face or by inhaling infected air.  In Wiltshire touching objects is the more likely route.

A.     Via touch – indirect transmission

Handwash, handwash, handwash. And/or use a disposable glove at the petrol station/hole in the wall machine, checkouts etc.  Remember metal gates walkers. Keeping your nails short may be helpful.

Think of all incoming objects as the potential enemy.  For shoppers, on  your return assume it’s on your bags and packaging and your hands – first wash your hands, and as the virus lives on most non-shiny surfaces for 24 hours leave the goods unpacked for 24 hours unless they have to be refrigerated in which case put them in the fridge and wash the fridge door handle and then your hands again. Assuming you are doing the basics with the wrapping, you can wash your vegetables on arrival with diluted bleach, Milton, hydrogen peroxide or soap – then rinse.  They may reduce the goodness of the items a bit but will ensure you are not handling virus covered products.

Same for milk deliveries. For the post consider leaving unopened for 24 hours or putting it in the oven. 5 minutes at preheated 70 degrees is sufficient.  

B.     Airborne transmission

To reduce the quantity of airborne particles, avoid shaking potentially infected items or using a feather duster as this will create airborne particles that can be inhaled.  Open the windows to improve air circulation and reduce its potential concentration.

There are two types of mask – the basic surgical one most people you see around would be wearing and the N95 respirators mainly used in hospital.  Both stop you (if infected) spraying out the virus in your breath and thereby infecting others as well as reduce your own chances of becoming infected through touching your face after touching an infected object. The mask provides a simple reminder and physical barrier to prevent our unconscious habit of putting our hands to our face. The N95 respirator mask additionally prevents the inhalation of the virus.  So should you wear them?  My advice now would be no for exercise alone but yes if you go shopping or do other activities which will bring you into closer contact with others or with potentially infected objects. 

Written by Derek Chase 07/04/2020