Cleaning and disinfection during the coronavirus: how recommendations have changed

We all relaxed a little: we began to sit in the cafe again, go to events and meet with friends. But the SARS ‑ CoV ‑ 2 virus has not gone anywhere, and the number of cases is growing again every day. In such an environment, it is more important than ever to observe safety measures, including keeping your home and your belongings clean.

The rules have changed slightly since spring. Then, two ways of transmission of coronavirus were considered equivalent: by air and after contact with surfaces that viral particles got on. Now airborne droplets are called main, and contact-household - unlikely.

Still, surfaces that are touched by many people, such as in public places, pose a certain risk. Therefore, after returning from the street, you must definitely wash your hands, and regularly clean at home. But you cannot rely on disinfection alone. It is imperative to wear a mask, keep your distance and avoid crowded places.

So, here are some guidelines to follow to reduce your risk.

1. Wash and moisturize your hands often

Despite the fact that, according to new data, surfaces do not pose the same danger as it was thought at the beginning of the pandemic, there is still a risk of infection from them. Therefore, be sure to wash your hands:

as soon as they came home;
after touching surfaces in public places;
before touching your face, if before that you were on the street or touched something;
if you have coughed or sneezed.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Do it right by following the guidance of the World Health Organization. When this is not possible, use an antiseptic (you can do it yourself).

And don't forget to moisturize your hands after washing. Dry, chapped skin increases the risk of infection entering the body.

2. Wash and disinfect surfaces in the apartment

First, it's worth remembering that washing and disinfection are two different things. During washing, we simply remove various contaminants from the surfaces, and disinfection kills pathogens.

If you (or someone in your household) is in contact with the outside world, it is recommended that you wash and disinfect the surfaces you touch frequently on a daily basis. These include:

door handles;
countertops;
chairs (seat, back, armrests);
shells;
cranes;
toilet (seat and flush button);
switches;
TV remote.

This is how the cleaning process should be:

Wipe down household surfaces with a cloth dampened with soapy water. This will remove dirt and dust.
Apply disinfectant. The easiest way is if it is in the form of a spray.

By adding these two items to your daily routine, you will reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus for yourself and your household.

3. Clean your clothes as usual

Wash things with a fairly familiar powder in hot water. If your washing machine has a drying mode, select a temperature slightly higher than the one you turned on before.

Please note that surfaces where dirty clothes have been placed must also be disinfected, especially if someone is sick in the house. Wear gloves when touching unhealthy person's belongings and wash them separately.

Also, don't forget to clean your outerwear and bags. Wipe them down with an antibacterial cloth after each going outside, and if the cloth allows, periodically machine wash them.

4. Don't waste time disinfecting food and parcels

There is no need to disinfect food. There is no evidence that coronavirus can be transmitted through them or their packaging. Just follow standard food safety guidelines.

The same applies to parcels. It is enough to wash your hands after touching the package.

5. Disinfect your phone and computer regularly

Alcohol wipes with an ethanol content of at least 70% are suitable for a smartphone. Thoroughly wipe the screen, buttons and connectors, where dust and dirt usually accumulate. If you are using a cover, be sure to disinfect the inside and outside.

All parts of the computer except the screen can be cleaned with antimicrobial wipes. For the display, use a minimum of 70% alcohol solution and a soft cloth.