COVID-19 Helpful Information

 

COVID-19 Virus Information

 

This information is drawn from several sources providing generally stated good practices.

 

Q1. How can we prevent being infected by the COVID-19 virus?

A1. It appears that there are two major pathways accounting for the vast majority of virus infections of all kinds, including COVID-19.

 

Method of Infection	Preventative Strategies
1. Inhalation of Airborne Water Droplets. The virus is transmitted by riding along tiny water droplets, expelled along with the air when an infected person breathes, talks, whispers, sings, coughs, yells, laughs, or sneezes.	1. Both the infected person and the uninfected person should wear masks. 2. If anyone is coughing or sneezing or even laughing, leave the room if possible because those actions spew the virus everywhere. 3. If you cannot leave, stay at least 10 feet away from anyone sneezing or coughing and 6 or more feet away from everyone else.
2. Contaminated Surface to Nose. Someone with the disease wipes his nose and then touches a doorknob or shakes hands with you. Instead of washing your contaminated hand thoroughly, you rub your eyes or pick your nose.	1. Wash your hands thoroughly both BEFORE and AFTER you pick your nose. It’s awkward to discuss, which is why most other information sheets on the virus safety say, “Don’t touch your face.” The virus can get into you when you rub your eyes with an infected finger, but probably the single most common route to infection is from finger to nose.

 

Q2. Can you get the virus by touching a physical object such as a package or other mail?

A2. Becoming infected by touching a box, package, or envelope, or an item such as cash or a credit card appears to be an unlikely but possible infection route. The table below shows how long the CORVID-19 virus can live after landing on an object.

 

Item	Longevity	Recommended Practices
Glass or metal surfaces	3 days	Wipe surfaces with 70% alcohol. (No weaker than 60% and no stronger than 80%)	Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. (Rub your hands together and through your fingers for at least 20 seconds.)
Cardboard	1 day (24 hours)	Handle all packaging carefully. Discard it in the trash when you’re finished.
Fabric	2 days	Wash the item in hot water if the fabric type allows.

 

Q3. What should I do if I have to work outside the home with other people?

A3. Follow a careful routine:

1. Keep 6 to 10 feet away from others.

2 Wear an N95 mask.

3. Wipe down office equipment (keyboard, monitor, phone, desk) before you use them.

4. Wear nitrile gloves before you touch anything that someone else has handled (paper, packages, candy jars, coffee mugs, coffee pots, creamer, printed reports).

5. If possible, install either a portable or built-in air purification system.

6. When you get home for the day, change your clothes, wash the work clothes in hot water, and take a shower before sitting down, eating, or moving around.

 

Q4. What should I do if I have to drive through heavy traffic?

A4. Good advice is:

1. Wear your mask while you drive.

2. Keep your car’s vent system set to recirculation instead of flow through.

 

Q5. Is it safe to order fast food or other restaurant food?

A5. It is reasonably safe if you follow some precautions:

1. Wear gloves and mask.

2. Phone in your order and ask for free (or paid) delivery or curbside pickup so your credit card number is read over the phone and the delivery person won’t need to touch the card.

3. Put a box (plastic or cardboard) in your trunk for the restaurant to place your food in.

4. When you get home, use gloves if possible (or wash your hands afterwards) to tear off the outer packaging (box, bags, wrappers). Throw away the outer packaging, wash your hands thoroughly and enjoy your food.