The government on Thursday announced that aerosols from COVID-19 patients can travel up to 10 meters and highlighted that proper ventilation is the key. The government also pointed out some “easy to follow guidelines” that highlight the role of masks, social distancing, sanitation and ventilation in India’s fight against Covid-19.
The Union government’s principal scientific adviser K. Vijay Raghavan’s office said in the new passed advisory focuses on the fact that use of proper ventilation can prevent the spread of coronavirus. Also, it warned against running air conditioners while keeping windows and doors closed. It said that, “Running ACs traps infected air inside the room and increases risk of transmission from an infected carrier to others.”
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The office also passed on a document entitles as ‘Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic’. This document’s motive is to urge people to strictly follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. One quote in the document said that-
“Always Remember: People who show no symptoms can also spread the virus.”
Saliva and nasal droplets fall within two meters from an infected person, smaller aerosol particles are carried in the air up to 10 metres. It further added in the notice and said-
“Just as smells can be diluted by ventilation, the dangerous concentration of the virus can be reduced by ensuring that outdoor air flows in.”
Droplets emitted by an infected person falls on various surfaces, the advisory said, frequent cleaning of high contact points such as door handles, light switches, tables, chairs and the floor with sanitizing disinfectants like bleach and phenyl can be beneficial in the prevention and safety.
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The advisory stated in terms of the ventilation at work spaces and at home said that-
“In buildings with central air-management systems, improving central air filtration /increased filtration efficiency is especially helpful when enhanced outdoor air delivery options are limited. In offices, auditoriums, shopping malls etc. use of gable fan systems and roof ventilators are recommended. Frequent cleaning and replacement of filters is highly recommended.”
For the most important method of prevention which is mask, the advisory informed that people should wear a double layer mask or an N95 mask. For a double mask, wear a regular surgical mask, then wear another tight-fitting cloth mask over it.
For the people who are willing to enter rural/semi-urban area should get tested through Rapid Antigen Test.
“ASHA/Anganwadi/health workers must be trained and protected for conducting the Rapid Antigen Test. These health workers must be given a certified N95 mask even if they are vaccinated. ASHA/Anganwadi/Health Workers to also be provided oximeters to monitor infected person.”
The document said in terms of the ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
In conclusion, the advisory said that with the use of masks, ventilation, distancing, and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won.
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