Lingering Pathogens and Thinking of a Plan

//Rapid Spread//

Keeping myself, friends and family safe is a top priority as COVID-19 continues to put countries into lockdown. The virus spreads across many vectors and just a passing interaction with someone nearby puts everybody involved at risk. It’s been weeks since I have been studying more about viral infections and possible ways of infection. Science aims to understand viral behaviour and sometimes the unknown leaves little to go on. Since Wuhan, China, Asia and then the rest of the world have started their movement against the virus, understanding and education has been paramount in preparing populations before situations spiral out of control. I have been proactive in my approach, yet as I understand more, the more colossal the virus seems to be.

//Thinking About Risks//

Statistics and research reveal much about how the virus is travelling at such high speeds, this is all due to globalization. While self-isolation is a method to prevent transmission, the risks are not totally dropped to zero. Viruses can linger on a number of surfaces. Delivery of goods for instance, a smart way to stay indoors but receiving the item still poses a local risk. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take parcels rom various virus stricken countries, far from it. It is most likely to be the person delivering the item that will be a carrier and leave the virus on handling surfaces. Knowing how infectious this virus can be simply from a short lapse of hygiene practice is a scary thought that slowly builds into paranoia.

//Thinking of a Plan//

Dealing with fear isn’t easy but think about life critically with logic is better than simply panicking. Educating ourselves through facts and assumptions is all we can do at this point and I am hungry to know even more about the virus. It’s known that the pathogen can remain on various surfaces for varying times. Cardboard is a common packing material used to deliver items and the virus can survive for up to 24 hours on this. I now handle all boxes with care, assuming they are infected. Cardboard doesn’t make it past the doors of my premises and it’s disposed of after unloading and disinfection is carried out. Maintaining high standards of hygiene is important and I continue to do so every second that I can consciously do so. High temperature are also able to dispatch viruses in the extremes. Investment into a steam cleaner has been useful but a solution of alcohol has been my preferred method of cleansing. Life is a little scary without much unknown all around us but we can only continue to research and make progress, and do our part in trying to stop spread of this virus.

Sources
https://www.ideastream.org/news/coronavirus-questions-answered-will-steam-kill-it
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200320192755.htm