3 Precautions You Can Take Against COVID-19

COVID19Recovery
Written By Sophia Shim

The easing of lockdown restrictions and reopening of cities is happening all over the globe. While this marks the first steps of going back to a normal life, there are a few precautions we can take to help us, and those around us, stay safe. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasoning behind physical distancing protocols, the correct use of masks, and whether to ‘glove or not to glove’.

Disclaimer: The below methods do not ensure 100% protection against COVID-19. Most studies relating to physical distancing research are available only as pre-print.

 

The World Health Organization cites data from epidemiological studies that show COVID-19 is primarily spread by infected individuals to healthy individuals through: respiratory droplets, direct contact, or through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.

Given its means of transmission, it is important to keep hygiene physical distancing and hygiene at the forefront of precautionary measures.

With that being said, let’s move on to our 3 precautions you can take against
COVID-19.

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1) Limit your movement to essential locations and practice physical distancing in the workplace and during recreational activity

The first, and most basic, standard we’ve been asked to follow during this time is the practice of social and physical distancing. Deemed as an effective manner to curb infection numbers, over one-fifth of the world’s population was under some form of lockdown order by mid-April 2020.

Limiting just one interaction could exponentially decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Limiting just one interaction could exponentially decrease the spread of COVID-19.

The purpose behind physical distancing is to lower the rate of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through decreased exposure to other individuals.

A study by the University of Toronto investigated the effects of decreased mobility on the daily growth rate of positive COVID-19 cases and found that a decrease of 10% relative mobility was associated with an 11.8% relative decrease in growth rate (Week 4 of March 2020).

Similarly, an article by the New York Times highlights the need to ‘break the chain’ of transmission by practicing physical distancing.

All of these efforts will help to minimize the chance of a COVID-19 resurgence.

 

With this in mind, you should consider making the return to normal a gradual process, beginning with only essential locations. For those of you returning to the workplace, ensure to follow your local government protocol and check to see if your company is abiding by any new rules set in place for reopening.

This perspective article offers a list of low cost hygiene and physical distancing measures you can implement in your everyday life to decrease the transmission of COVID-19.

Some of these ideas are included in the adapted chart to the right!
For a full list, visit the resource linked above.

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2) The CORRECT use of masks

There are a wide variety of masks on and off the market, as well as a controversial debate over the use of masks in limiting the spread of COVID-19. However, given the nature of its transmission, masks have the potential to help reduce transmission through air droplets, but only if used correctly.

The above graphs show the projected number of daily deaths (Washington) based on % of the population masked and the effectiveness of each mask. As you can see, even the use of 20% effective masks in only half the population reduced number of deaths…

The above graphs show the projected number of daily deaths (Washington) based on % of the population masked and the effectiveness of each mask.
As you can see, even the use of 20% effective masks in only half the population reduced number of deaths by almost half!

A model simulation, based on data of COVID-19 dynamics in Washington and New York, suggests that public use of even a ‘relatively ineffective’ face mask may “reduce community transmission and decrease peak hospitalization and deaths”. Additionally, the use of masks has been noted as being useful for both limiting the spread of illness to healthy individuals as well as preventing asymptomatic transmissions.

 

The infographic to the left (created by the Pennsylvania Department of Health) shows the prioritization of which members of the population should wear which masks.

This is strictly a recommendation.

For personal use, it is up to the individual or your place of employment to determine which mask is appropriate for use, however, please keep in mind the demand for PPEs by frontline healthcare workers in your area.

The CDC has released tutorials for sewn and no-sew face coverings so that you can make at home. Check out this link to learn how to make your own!

Above all else, it is important to understand the correct way to use a mask.

Ensuring it is fit snugly to cover both your mouth and nose, ensuring you do not touch the mask while it is on your face, as well as the proper disposal of the mask will give you the maximal protection your mask can offer.

You can refer to the WHO’s page on when and how to use masks here!

 

3) To glove or not to glove

As stated before, the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can occur through direct contact with an infected individual OR by direct contact with a contaminated surface. Though businesses and local governments have made an effort to increase sanitation of high touch surfaces, you can never be too careful.

In a collaborative study by the NAIAD and CDC, it was found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could remain viable, hence infectious, in aerosols for hours and up to days on surfaces. Virus particles in aerosols were seen to remain viable for up to 3 hours, while viral particles on surfaces such as copper and cardboard remained for 8 and 24 hours respectively. Surfaces which allowed the viral particles to remain viable the longest were stainless steel and plastic, which came in at 48 and 72 hours respectively.

Given this data, we should remain cautious of what we touch and where our hands go. The use of surgical-type gloves may decrease your chance of coming into contact with viable viral particles, however this is only when used CORRECTLY.

 

On 16 March 2020, the WHO released this infographic to the right.
As an area of debate, there are only a few certainties:

  • Handwashing and hand sanitizing are the best way to rid germs from your hands

  • Gloves can create a barrier between your hands and the virus, however, they are able to carry viral particles so DO NOT touch your face (or mask) while wearing gloves

  • Gloves do not ensure protection against COVID-19

Many people cite wearing gloves as a way to remind themselves not to touch their face, or as a simple reminder to be aware of where their hands are when they are out. As a member of the general public, it is your choice to wear gloves, however, keeping good hand hygiene and being attentive to your surroundings may prove to be just as effective.

Sophia Shim
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