Unless it changes course the UK government are playing a dangerous game based on a theory which also gives mixed messages. So sporting events are cancelled etc but they only advise not to go to pubs, clubs or restaurants rather than forcing them to close plus despite Italy's experience (we seem to be following the same trend) very reluctant to go into quarantine (hate lockdown being used as the meaning in a dictionary refers to prisoners). This is because all the government is trying to do is stagger the peak so the NHS will cope rather than attempting to stop the spread. Their reasoning is this will be a returning Virus and often those viruses are more lethal the second time around (but they are guessing) so they want at least 60% of the nation to become positive which creates what's known as Herd immunity so we will be ok when the virus returns. So risky and who's to say the virus will reemerge shortly in a deadlier form and there is no proof as yet that if you have tested positive once you can't test positive again which will completely throw their theory into one of the biggest health mistakes ever made. This gambling with peoples health as you can imagine is even a bigger worry to people like my wife with diabetes or other underlying conditions as many more will die than necessary, when factoring this in it seems morally wrong!
First Corona Virus case confirmed in SA.
- Thread starter Chickenstrip
- Start date
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- Tags
- case corona virus
Correction: I could find toilet paper easily on Sunday. I've heard from a few colleagues that toilet paper has run out in a few areas since Monday's announcement
This should not surprise you at all. This is SA after all. The crims will use ANY way they can to rob you.
You can make your own hand sanitizer easily with isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel
Don't shout that too loud else isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel will also be sold out everywhere!
Not a SA problem, coranavirus to criminals will be seen as a opportunity doesn't matter what country, it goes on! Also now with the internet i have my spam folder full of coronavirus related phishing emails, disgusting!
No it doesn't the sanitiser gels are for after you touch things like a shopping trolley for example or ATM as another example, extra to when we usually wash our hands!
You can use wet wipes as well and there are plenty of those on the shelves lol
Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk
The question I have for those in the know:
Is it better to wash hands with a bar of soap? (eg Lux)
Or liquid soap - i.e. standard liquid soap you buy in the dispenser, where you press on the top to eject it.
What do you think?
Is it better to wash hands with a bar of soap? (eg Lux)
Or liquid soap - i.e. standard liquid soap you buy in the dispenser, where you press on the top to eject it.
What do you think?
I would say the dispensers but don't really know the difference because i dont use the bar of soap never have
Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk
https://oliverthom.com.au/blogs/looks/liquid-vs-bar-soap-which-is-better
Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk
Liquid soap dispensers and preferably the touchless ones are better. Avoid dryers and use paper towel instead.
How about some good news?
-China has closed down its last coronavirus hospital. Not enough new cases to support them.
- Doctors in India have been successful in treating Coronavirus. Combination of drugs used: Lopinavir, Retonovir, Oseltamivir along with Chlorphenamine. They are going to suggest same medicine, globally.
- Researchers of the Erasmus Medical Center claim to have found an antibody against coronavirus.
- A 103-year-old Chinese grandmother has made a full recovery from COVID-19 after being treated for 6 days in Wuhan, China.
- Apple reopens all 42 china stores,
- Cleveland Clinic developed a COVID-19 test that gives results in hours, not days.
- Good news from South Korea, where the number of new cases is declining.
- Italy is hit hard, experts say, only because they have the oldest population in Europe.
- Scientists in Israel likely to announce the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
- 3 Maryland coronavirus patients fully recovered; able to return to everyday life.
- A network of Canadian scientists are making excellent progress in Covid-19 research.
- A San Diego biotech company is developing a Covid-19 vaccine in collaboration with Duke University and National University of Singapore.
- Tulsa County's first positive COVID-19 case has recovered. This individual has had two negative tests, which is the indicator of recovery.
- All 7 patients who were getting treated for at Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi have recovered.
- Plasma from newly recovered patients from Covid -19 can treat others infected by Covid-19.
So it's not all bad news. Let's care for each other and stay focused on safety of those most vulnerable.
-China has closed down its last coronavirus hospital. Not enough new cases to support them.
- Doctors in India have been successful in treating Coronavirus. Combination of drugs used: Lopinavir, Retonovir, Oseltamivir along with Chlorphenamine. They are going to suggest same medicine, globally.
- Researchers of the Erasmus Medical Center claim to have found an antibody against coronavirus.
- A 103-year-old Chinese grandmother has made a full recovery from COVID-19 after being treated for 6 days in Wuhan, China.
- Apple reopens all 42 china stores,
- Cleveland Clinic developed a COVID-19 test that gives results in hours, not days.
- Good news from South Korea, where the number of new cases is declining.
- Italy is hit hard, experts say, only because they have the oldest population in Europe.
- Scientists in Israel likely to announce the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
- 3 Maryland coronavirus patients fully recovered; able to return to everyday life.
- A network of Canadian scientists are making excellent progress in Covid-19 research.
- A San Diego biotech company is developing a Covid-19 vaccine in collaboration with Duke University and National University of Singapore.
- Tulsa County's first positive COVID-19 case has recovered. This individual has had two negative tests, which is the indicator of recovery.
- All 7 patients who were getting treated for at Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi have recovered.
- Plasma from newly recovered patients from Covid -19 can treat others infected by Covid-19.
So it's not all bad news. Let's care for each other and stay focused on safety of those most vulnerable.
So relieved, Doc gave me the all clear:
FULL LIST: Covid-19 testing sites in all provinces
https://www.all4women.co.za/1972535...-list-covid-19-testing-sites-in-all-provinces
17 March 2020
According to Lancet Laboratories, doctors and patients are urged to contact the NICD directly on their hotline if they want testing to be done at NICD 082 883 9920. If Doctors want their patient to be tested at Lancet Laboratories, and there is any uncertainty that the patient meets clinical and epidemiological criteria, the Lancet virologist on call on 0113580800 may be contacted.
Below is a list of all testing sites in the country:
LANCET LABORATORIES COVID-19 TESTING SITES
Gauteng
Alberton Alberton IPS, 68 Voortrekker, Rd, New Redruth, Alberton, 1449
Mulbarton Netcare, Room 206 Mulbarton Medical Centre, 27 True N Rd, (Hospital), JHB, 2190
Vereeniging 46 Rhodes Ave, Vereeniging, 1939
Lenasia Lenmed in hospital, Lenesia South
Daxina Daxina Medical Centre
Krugersdorp Krugersdorp Lab, Outpatient Depot, 1 Boshoff Street, Krugersdorp, 1739
Soweto Soweto Healthcare Hub
Birchleigh Birchleigh depot, 7 Leo Street
Kempton Park Kempton square shopping centre, shop 61
Bedforview Leicester depot, suite no 8 Leicester Medical Mews, 7 Leicester Road, Bedfordview Germiston
Houghton Houghton Hotel Depot, 53 2nd Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
Cheltondale 62 Orchard Rd, Cheltondale, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
Richmond (Auckland Park) Lancet Corner, Corner Stanley and Menton Rd, Richmond Auckland Park
Rosebank Rosebank Lab, 3rd Floor, 8 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank
Morningside 173 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa Rochester Place Office Block A
Germiston 8 Parks Street, Bedfordview, Germiston
Free State and Northern Cape
Mediclinic Bloemfontein Room G07, Mediclinic Bloemfontein, Kellner St, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301
Kimberley 112 Mac Dougall St, El Toro Park, Kimberley, 8301
Welkom RH Matjhabeng, Power Road, Reitzpark, Welkom
Limpopo
Polokwane 44A Grobler street, Polokwane Central
Tzaneen 71 Wolksberg Road, Ivory Tusk Lodge
Thouyandou Corner Mpehephu & Mvusuludzo near Cash build
Phalaborwa Clinix Private Hospital, No 86 Grosvenor Street
Western Cape
Bellville 2 Heide Street, Bloemhof, Cape Town, South Africa
Brackenfell Brackenfell Medical Centre, Cnr Brackenfell & Old Paarl Road , Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town CBD Cnr Longmarket & Parliament Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Century City Smartsurv House, Century City, Cape Town, 7441
Durbanville 15 Paul Kruger Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
Kuils River Shop 9 De Kuilen Shopping Centre Carinus Street)
Bellville West 7c Solway Street, Bellville West A, Cape Town, South Africa
Pinelands 91 Jan Smuts Dr, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa
Rondebosch Rondebosch Medical Center, 95 Klipfontein Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
Simonstown 1st Floor, Room 4 Harbour Bay Medical Centre
Stellenbosch Trumali House, Trumali Street, Harringtons Place, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Somerset West Arun Place Block 6 Unit F, Cherrywood Gardens, Sir Lowry’s Pass, South Africa
Stellenbosch Oewerpark Stellenbosch Oewerpark Suite 12A Rokewood Road, Die Boord, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Lenmed La Verna Private Hospital 1 Convent Rd, Ladysmith, 3370
Mediclinic Newcastle Private Hospital 78 Bird St, Newcastle Central, Newcastle, 2940
Life Empangeni Garden
Clinic 50 Biyela St, Empangeni Central, Empangeni, 3880
Busamed Gateway private Hospital Busamed Gateway private Hospital, 36-38 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga, 4319
Berea 1st Floor, Mayet Medical Centre, 482 Randles Rd, Sydenham, Berea, 4091
Ahmed Al-Khadi private Hospital 490 Jan Smuts Hwy, Mayville, Durban, 4058
Life Chatsmed Private Hospital Suite 121- 201 West Wing Chatsmed Garden Hospital, 80 Woodhurst Dr, Chatsworth, 4092
JMH Isipingo private Hospital Suite 2 Grnd flr Medical Towers Isipingo Hospital, 162 Phila Ndwandwe Rd, Isipingo Rail, Isipingo, 4133
Port Shepstone 28 Bazley St, Port Shepstone, 4240
Pietermaritzburg Suite 205 Midlands Medical Centre, 162-166 Masukwana St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Hilton Hilton Gardens, Hilton, 3245
Life Mt Edgecombe Private Hospita Ste 1 Phoenix Medical Ctr, Redberry Rd, Rockford, Phoenix, 4068
Life Entabeni Private Hospital Suite 8 Level 3 West Wing Entabeni Hospital, 148 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Berea, 4001
Rustenburg
Rustenburg 1 Kok Street
North West
Potchefstroom Cachet Park Depot, Shop 24 Cnr Steve Biko & Meyer Street, Potchefstroom, 2531
https://www.all4women.co.za/1972535...-list-covid-19-testing-sites-in-all-provinces
17 March 2020
According to Lancet Laboratories, doctors and patients are urged to contact the NICD directly on their hotline if they want testing to be done at NICD 082 883 9920. If Doctors want their patient to be tested at Lancet Laboratories, and there is any uncertainty that the patient meets clinical and epidemiological criteria, the Lancet virologist on call on 0113580800 may be contacted.
Below is a list of all testing sites in the country:
LANCET LABORATORIES COVID-19 TESTING SITES
Gauteng
Alberton Alberton IPS, 68 Voortrekker, Rd, New Redruth, Alberton, 1449
Mulbarton Netcare, Room 206 Mulbarton Medical Centre, 27 True N Rd, (Hospital), JHB, 2190
Vereeniging 46 Rhodes Ave, Vereeniging, 1939
Lenasia Lenmed in hospital, Lenesia South
Daxina Daxina Medical Centre
Krugersdorp Krugersdorp Lab, Outpatient Depot, 1 Boshoff Street, Krugersdorp, 1739
Soweto Soweto Healthcare Hub
Birchleigh Birchleigh depot, 7 Leo Street
Kempton Park Kempton square shopping centre, shop 61
Bedforview Leicester depot, suite no 8 Leicester Medical Mews, 7 Leicester Road, Bedfordview Germiston
Houghton Houghton Hotel Depot, 53 2nd Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
Cheltondale 62 Orchard Rd, Cheltondale, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
Richmond (Auckland Park) Lancet Corner, Corner Stanley and Menton Rd, Richmond Auckland Park
Rosebank Rosebank Lab, 3rd Floor, 8 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank
Morningside 173 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa Rochester Place Office Block A
Germiston 8 Parks Street, Bedfordview, Germiston
Free State and Northern Cape
Mediclinic Bloemfontein Room G07, Mediclinic Bloemfontein, Kellner St, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301
Kimberley 112 Mac Dougall St, El Toro Park, Kimberley, 8301
Welkom RH Matjhabeng, Power Road, Reitzpark, Welkom
Limpopo
Polokwane 44A Grobler street, Polokwane Central
Tzaneen 71 Wolksberg Road, Ivory Tusk Lodge
Thouyandou Corner Mpehephu & Mvusuludzo near Cash build
Phalaborwa Clinix Private Hospital, No 86 Grosvenor Street
Western Cape
Bellville 2 Heide Street, Bloemhof, Cape Town, South Africa
Brackenfell Brackenfell Medical Centre, Cnr Brackenfell & Old Paarl Road , Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town CBD Cnr Longmarket & Parliament Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Century City Smartsurv House, Century City, Cape Town, 7441
Durbanville 15 Paul Kruger Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
Kuils River Shop 9 De Kuilen Shopping Centre Carinus Street)
Bellville West 7c Solway Street, Bellville West A, Cape Town, South Africa
Pinelands 91 Jan Smuts Dr, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa
Rondebosch Rondebosch Medical Center, 95 Klipfontein Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
Simonstown 1st Floor, Room 4 Harbour Bay Medical Centre
Stellenbosch Trumali House, Trumali Street, Harringtons Place, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Somerset West Arun Place Block 6 Unit F, Cherrywood Gardens, Sir Lowry’s Pass, South Africa
Stellenbosch Oewerpark Stellenbosch Oewerpark Suite 12A Rokewood Road, Die Boord, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Lenmed La Verna Private Hospital 1 Convent Rd, Ladysmith, 3370
Mediclinic Newcastle Private Hospital 78 Bird St, Newcastle Central, Newcastle, 2940
Life Empangeni Garden
Clinic 50 Biyela St, Empangeni Central, Empangeni, 3880
Busamed Gateway private Hospital Busamed Gateway private Hospital, 36-38 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga, 4319
Berea 1st Floor, Mayet Medical Centre, 482 Randles Rd, Sydenham, Berea, 4091
Ahmed Al-Khadi private Hospital 490 Jan Smuts Hwy, Mayville, Durban, 4058
Life Chatsmed Private Hospital Suite 121- 201 West Wing Chatsmed Garden Hospital, 80 Woodhurst Dr, Chatsworth, 4092
JMH Isipingo private Hospital Suite 2 Grnd flr Medical Towers Isipingo Hospital, 162 Phila Ndwandwe Rd, Isipingo Rail, Isipingo, 4133
Port Shepstone 28 Bazley St, Port Shepstone, 4240
Pietermaritzburg Suite 205 Midlands Medical Centre, 162-166 Masukwana St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Hilton Hilton Gardens, Hilton, 3245
Life Mt Edgecombe Private Hospita Ste 1 Phoenix Medical Ctr, Redberry Rd, Rockford, Phoenix, 4068
Life Entabeni Private Hospital Suite 8 Level 3 West Wing Entabeni Hospital, 148 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Berea, 4001
Rustenburg
Rustenburg 1 Kok Street
North West
Potchefstroom Cachet Park Depot, Shop 24 Cnr Steve Biko & Meyer Street, Potchefstroom, 2531
How long do viruses live on surfaces: Plastic, stainless steel, fabric, and more
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/how-long-do-viruses-live-on-surfaces
16 March 2020
The SARS-CoV-2 virus - responsible for the current coronavirus pandemic - can live on stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for 4 hours and still be contagious.
Other coronaviruses can live on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces for four to five days, and could persist for up to nine days depending on temperature and humidity.
It's unclear how long viruses can live on fabric, but one study found that natural fabrics like wool and cotton are more likely to contain larger amounts of bacteria and fungi compared to silk and synthetic fabrics.
To properly disinfect surfaces make sure you're using alcohol-based cleaners that are at least 70% alcohol for hard surfaces and washing fabrics in water that's at least 30 degrees Celcius.
This article was medically reviewed by dr. Andres Romero, infection disease specialist.
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/how-long-do-viruses-live-on-surfaces
16 March 2020
The SARS-CoV-2 virus - responsible for the current coronavirus pandemic - can live on stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for 4 hours and still be contagious.
Other coronaviruses can live on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces for four to five days, and could persist for up to nine days depending on temperature and humidity.
It's unclear how long viruses can live on fabric, but one study found that natural fabrics like wool and cotton are more likely to contain larger amounts of bacteria and fungi compared to silk and synthetic fabrics.
To properly disinfect surfaces make sure you're using alcohol-based cleaners that are at least 70% alcohol for hard surfaces and washing fabrics in water that's at least 30 degrees Celcius.
This article was medically reviewed by dr. Andres Romero, infection disease specialist.
Logically a dispenser is better, because the soap in the dispenser is not contaminated. However, with a bar of soap (does anyone still use them?) the virus could simply be transferred from your hands to the soap.
Ampath and Pathcare also do the test. They got branches in all major private hospitals.
I wouldn't be too concerned about hand sanitisers to be used with shopping trolleys etc. Just getting the virus on your hands will not give you the virus - so long as you don't have a cut on your hands and you don't touch your face or eyes. The latter is the important thing.
I have a box of latex gloves at home, which can (could?) be bought at any Clicks/Dischem and from now on I'll wear gloves when I go out.
As far as masks are concerned, I've heard that they're not effective. Who knows? If you've got one, wear it. It will make you feel better as well as those around you.
I have a box of latex gloves at home, which can (could?) be bought at any Clicks/Dischem and from now on I'll wear gloves when I go out.
As far as masks are concerned, I've heard that they're not effective. Who knows? If you've got one, wear it. It will make you feel better as well as those around you.
How long do viruses live on surfaces: Plastic, stainless steel, fabric, and more
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/how-long-do-viruses-live-on-surfaces
16 March 2020
The SARS-CoV-2 virus - responsible for the current coronavirus pandemic - can live on stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for 4 hours and still be contagious.
Other coronaviruses can live on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces for four to five days, and could persist for up to nine days depending on temperature and humidity.
It's unclear how long viruses can live on fabric, but one study found that natural fabrics like wool and cotton are more likely to contain larger amounts of bacteria and fungi compared to silk and synthetic fabrics.
To properly disinfect surfaces make sure you're using alcohol-based cleaners that are at least 70% alcohol for hard surfaces and washing fabrics in water that's at least 30 degrees Celcius.
This article was medically reviewed by dr. Andres Romero, infection disease specialist.
But what happens to the viruses that make their way onto your clothes, and doorknobs? Here's what you should know about how long viruses can live on various surfaces.
Lifespan depends on the virus and the surface
In light of the novel coronavirus, researchers are looking at how SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses behave on surfaces.
A recent study from scientists at a federal laboratory reported that SARS-CoV-2- the virus causing the current coronavirus pandemic - can live on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for 4 hours. This was how long the virus could survive in large enough amounts to be transmissible, according to the researchers.
Another 2020 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection analyzed 22 studies on other SARS and MERS coronaviruses. Researchers found that, on average, the viruses persisted on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces at room temperature for four to five days, and could persist for up to nine days depending on temperature and humidity.
Therefore, how long harmful germs live on different surfaces is "very specific to the pathogen, environmental factors like humidity, and also what surface it's on," says Todd Nega, MD, an infectious disease specialist at NorthShore University HealthSystem.
With fabrics, it's unclear how long viruses can last. But generally, they tend to last for a shorter amount of time on fabric compared to hard surfaces like stainless steel, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may also depend on what material the fabric is made from.
For a 2015 study in the Polish journal Medycyna Pracy, researchers looked at fabrics in industrial facilities, stables, homes, and a zoo. They didn't study viruses but they did see a correlation between how much fungi and bacteria contaminated the fabric depending on its material. They reported that smoother fibers - synthetic, semi-synthetic, and silk fibers - showed less microbial contamination than natural fibers like wool, hemp, or cotton.
This matters because you come in contact with fabric throughout your day. There are the clothes you wear, the towel you dry off with after a shower, the sheets you sleep on. "This is why we're very careful with contact isolation in hospital," Nega says. "In healthcare, we look at not contaminating things versus decontaminating them."
As an extra precaution, some experts recommend changing into clean clothes when you get home if you've been in contact with large groups of people at work throughout the day.
How to clean hard surfaces
For hard surfaces like tabletops, doorknobs, countertops, sinks, and glass, the CDC recommends using alcohol-based disinfecting wipes or solutions that are at least 70% alcohol, diluted bleach solutions, or other disinfecting products registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
First, make sure to protect your skin by wearing gloves. And then check that you're using enough of the cleaning solution to properly disinfect the surface.
For example, if you're using disinfecting wipes, there should be enough solution on the wipe to leave the surface visibly wet for at least four minutes while air-drying. If it's not visibly wet for four minutes, it could mean you've been overly ambitious and cleaned too much surface area with the wipe already.
Here's a complete list of EPA-registered disinfectants and also a list of disinfectants the EPA specifically recommends for disinfecting surfaces against SARS-CoV-2.
How to clean fabrics
One of the best things you can do to reduce your exposure to viruses, and other germs, is to wash your clothes and other fabrics regularly. Washing clothes in water of at least 30 degrees Celcius "significantly decreases, but does not eliminate, the bacterial burden," according to a study published in 2020 in the Journal of Small Animal Practice that examined bacteria on clinicians' scrubs.
To further sanitise fabrics, add bleach or colour-safe bleach diluted with water. But first check your fabric's care instructions to make sure you're using it correctly. Be careful not to over-fill the washing machine. This gives the clothes room to vigorously stir in the disinfecting, soapy water, according to the American Chemistry Council's Water Quality and Health Council.
Running clothes through a drying cycle is key to eliminating germs, too. The high-heat setting is most effective, but again - check the specific instructions on your fabric to avoid damaging the fabric. You can also hang clothes to dry outside in direct sunlight. According to one study, the sun's ultraviolet light has disinfecting properties that kills certain types of bacteria.
If someone in your home has been sick, make sure to sanitise your laundry basket or hamper, as well as the washing machine itself. Check your specific washer for instructions or a clean-out cycle. And after all that cleaning - don't forget to wash your own hands, too.
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/how-long-do-viruses-live-on-surfaces
16 March 2020
The SARS-CoV-2 virus - responsible for the current coronavirus pandemic - can live on stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for 4 hours and still be contagious.
Other coronaviruses can live on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces for four to five days, and could persist for up to nine days depending on temperature and humidity.
It's unclear how long viruses can live on fabric, but one study found that natural fabrics like wool and cotton are more likely to contain larger amounts of bacteria and fungi compared to silk and synthetic fabrics.
To properly disinfect surfaces make sure you're using alcohol-based cleaners that are at least 70% alcohol for hard surfaces and washing fabrics in water that's at least 30 degrees Celcius.
This article was medically reviewed by dr. Andres Romero, infection disease specialist.
But what happens to the viruses that make their way onto your clothes, and doorknobs? Here's what you should know about how long viruses can live on various surfaces.
Lifespan depends on the virus and the surface
In light of the novel coronavirus, researchers are looking at how SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses behave on surfaces.
A recent study from scientists at a federal laboratory reported that SARS-CoV-2- the virus causing the current coronavirus pandemic - can live on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for 4 hours. This was how long the virus could survive in large enough amounts to be transmissible, according to the researchers.
Another 2020 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection analyzed 22 studies on other SARS and MERS coronaviruses. Researchers found that, on average, the viruses persisted on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces at room temperature for four to five days, and could persist for up to nine days depending on temperature and humidity.
Therefore, how long harmful germs live on different surfaces is "very specific to the pathogen, environmental factors like humidity, and also what surface it's on," says Todd Nega, MD, an infectious disease specialist at NorthShore University HealthSystem.
With fabrics, it's unclear how long viruses can last. But generally, they tend to last for a shorter amount of time on fabric compared to hard surfaces like stainless steel, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may also depend on what material the fabric is made from.
For a 2015 study in the Polish journal Medycyna Pracy, researchers looked at fabrics in industrial facilities, stables, homes, and a zoo. They didn't study viruses but they did see a correlation between how much fungi and bacteria contaminated the fabric depending on its material. They reported that smoother fibers - synthetic, semi-synthetic, and silk fibers - showed less microbial contamination than natural fibers like wool, hemp, or cotton.
This matters because you come in contact with fabric throughout your day. There are the clothes you wear, the towel you dry off with after a shower, the sheets you sleep on. "This is why we're very careful with contact isolation in hospital," Nega says. "In healthcare, we look at not contaminating things versus decontaminating them."
As an extra precaution, some experts recommend changing into clean clothes when you get home if you've been in contact with large groups of people at work throughout the day.
How to clean hard surfaces
For hard surfaces like tabletops, doorknobs, countertops, sinks, and glass, the CDC recommends using alcohol-based disinfecting wipes or solutions that are at least 70% alcohol, diluted bleach solutions, or other disinfecting products registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
First, make sure to protect your skin by wearing gloves. And then check that you're using enough of the cleaning solution to properly disinfect the surface.
For example, if you're using disinfecting wipes, there should be enough solution on the wipe to leave the surface visibly wet for at least four minutes while air-drying. If it's not visibly wet for four minutes, it could mean you've been overly ambitious and cleaned too much surface area with the wipe already.
Here's a complete list of EPA-registered disinfectants and also a list of disinfectants the EPA specifically recommends for disinfecting surfaces against SARS-CoV-2.
How to clean fabrics
One of the best things you can do to reduce your exposure to viruses, and other germs, is to wash your clothes and other fabrics regularly. Washing clothes in water of at least 30 degrees Celcius "significantly decreases, but does not eliminate, the bacterial burden," according to a study published in 2020 in the Journal of Small Animal Practice that examined bacteria on clinicians' scrubs.
To further sanitise fabrics, add bleach or colour-safe bleach diluted with water. But first check your fabric's care instructions to make sure you're using it correctly. Be careful not to over-fill the washing machine. This gives the clothes room to vigorously stir in the disinfecting, soapy water, according to the American Chemistry Council's Water Quality and Health Council.
Running clothes through a drying cycle is key to eliminating germs, too. The high-heat setting is most effective, but again - check the specific instructions on your fabric to avoid damaging the fabric. You can also hang clothes to dry outside in direct sunlight. According to one study, the sun's ultraviolet light has disinfecting properties that kills certain types of bacteria.
If someone in your home has been sick, make sure to sanitise your laundry basket or hamper, as well as the washing machine itself. Check your specific washer for instructions or a clean-out cycle. And after all that cleaning - don't forget to wash your own hands, too.
Soap is always first prize.
I hate hand sanitizers as much as I hate having eliquid on my hands or on a mod.
I personally dont see how hand sanitizer can help unless people are drinking/vaping it which I would not advise
I am guilty of panic buying.
I ordered a case of whiskey....
All that is good. Now let’s be realistic:
The mortality rate is 3% which means that 97% of the 160k who currently have it went/will go home healthy and sound.
The mortality rate is around 15% for the above 70 year old if they have cardiovascular, respiratory conditions or diabetes which means that 85% will also go home safely.
Do not expect a vaccine to hit the pharmacy shelves before 18months
ARVs have been tested with a relatively good success but won’t work all the time and on all patients.
The plasma story is a good movie ending but not realistic neither practical and it’s way too expensive.
Key message: protect your elderly by social distancing and barrier measures.
Dettol soap (liquid and bar) should be fairly effective against a wide variety of microorganisms. Lux, Palmolive... don't have same additives (they are more skin care oriented).
Thanks for that @alex1501
Didnt think of that aspect of the Lux and Palmolive perhaps not being as strong as a Dettol etc.
My wife has this liquid soap dispenser - but its one of those fancy ones for the skin etc etc. But it doesnt lather nicely.
I use a Lux soap bar - I like it because it lathers very nicely and I prefer the bar versus the dispenser because I just find it easier to use and work with. Maybe I am just used to it.
But after the comments in this thread I am going to go hunting for a dispenser of Dettol liquid soap - if i can find any.
If not, I will just use JIK - lol
No just joking...
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