Aerosol droplets that contain the 2019 novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, can travel several feet when people talk or sneeze. The virus can also spread via touch contact with a contagious person or contaminated surface. Studies suggest that it can stay active on surfaces for varying periods of time. For example, during one study, it was still found on copper after four hours, cardboard up to 24 hours and plastic and stainless steel after two-to-three days. We understand how drastically this virus has changed everyone’s lives. We’ve created this guide to cover some of the basics that can help you reduce exposures:
Travel Only for Necessary Reasons
Many governors throughout the country have issued “stay at home” orders for specific counties or their entire states. These orders typically mean that the only time people should travel outside of their homes is when in need of an essential service related to survival. For example, you can usually go to the grocery store or a medically necessary appointment if no other option exists, such as delivery or telemedicine, respectively. Even if you live in a region where there are no official “stay at home” requirements, it’s wise to travel only when absolutely necessary to protect your life.
Maintain Safe Distances From Others
If you must go outside, then it’s important to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 when interacting with others. Health officials have stated that physical or “social” distancing is critical to stopping the virus. Try to always maintain a six-foot personal bubble around yourself when interacting with others. Also, stay away from crowds as much as possible. If you or a loved one are elderly or have one or more chronic illnesses, call retailers and doctors before traveling: Some retailers offer special hours for high-risk shoppers. Pharmacies in certain states have also agreed to deliver products, including prescription medications, as long they’re not considered controlled substances or require special handling procedures.
Wipe, Store or Toss Often
Soap and water work well against this virus. Beyond washing your hands for at least 20 seconds or using an approved alcohol-based (70 percent) hand sanitizer, you must use extra caution when handling items that have been touched by other people. Whether you’re handling groceries, a shipped package or a bag of fast food, you should wipe it down using an approved disinfecting product, store it away from people for days until the virus is no longer viable or toss away the outer packaging entirely, and then clean your hands. The Environmental Protection Agency has supplied a list of disinfectants that work against SARS-CoV-2.
Reduce Exposure to Other Contaminants
Harmful other contaminants in a home environment in the air and water, such as bacteria, pollen, fungi, parasites, chemicals and toxic heavy metals, can put too much stress on a person’s immune system, which can make it harder for their body to fight off viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. One way to reduce exposure is by dusting, vacuuming and wiping down surfaces in your home regularly. Air and water system filtration is another. With the latter, we recommend the use of filters designed specifically to block small, micron-level particles and substances.
Although these methods don’t guarantee that you or a loved one will remain free of this virus, they can help reduce the risk. Visit Big Berkey Water Filters or more tips or information about water filtration systems.