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Following the rules of hygiene, frequent washing of hands, maintaining social distance, wearing masks – we do everything to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Sometimes, however, the question arises – what is all this for? The answer comes with a visualization of how easily the virus spreads by contact.
Japan’s NHK broadcasting station, in collaboration with infectious disease experts from St. The Marianna University School of Medicine in Kawasaki showed how the coronavirus spreads between people. They prepared a buffet meal for 10 people. One of them – “infected” had a fluorescent paint on her hand, which was supposed to depict the secretions that remain after coughing in the hand.
For 30 minutes, the researchers watched 10 people move freely around the room, ate and touch various surfaces. Then they turned on the UV lamps to check where the fluorescent paint, which was “spread” by the infected, was.
In the video below, you can easily see that the “infection” has reached virtually everywhere. Each of the participants had it on their hands, and three of them even on their faces.
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is spread by airborne droplets. Touching the face with unwashed hands may contribute to the transmission of the virus.
The scientists who watched the study found that forceps, vessel lids and container handles contributed to the transmission of the “virus”. The SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus particles remain active and infectious for some time after they come into contact with the surface.
See also:
- Coronavirus can stay on surfaces for up to 17 days?
- Where does the coronavirus come from on the hands of infected people?
- Can the coronavirus spread to animal hair?
- Can the coronavirus persist in the air?
NHK and experts also conducted a second experiment. This time the visitors to the buffet were more diligent in observing the hygiene rules. The utensils were kept separate and the tongs were often replaced with new ones. Study participants were also encouraged to wash their hands frequently. As a result, when the UV lamp was turned on, none of the participants, apart from the “infected” person, had any traces of “infection”.
See also: Top ten rules for the time of the coronavirus outbreak
We will repeat ad nauseam – hygiene is important. Frequent hand washing with soap and water, disinfection with alcohol-based preparations (if there is no access to water) effectively prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
In Poland, it is also obligatory to wear mouth and nose guards (masks, scarves, helmets) in public spaces. This order is designed to limit transmission of the virus by people who are infected but pass the infection asymptomatically.