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Due to the coronavirus epidemic, it is suggested to avoid clusters of people and it is recommended to avoid contact with strangers, random people. For this reason, many people now avoid public transport and decide to travel, e.g. by taxi. What to do to avoid coronavirus infection?
Coronavirus can be infected by droplets, which means that the source of the infection may be another person. You can get infected with the coronavirus directly from another person. Whether a person passes the infection asymptomatically or with symptoms, they can spread the virus around them.
Coronavirus particles are found in saliva, so it is enough for an infected person to sneeze to release the coronavirus into the environment.
Research also points to a possibility coronavirus airborne transmission. This means that the pathogen can be transmitted not only as a result of coughing and sneezing, but also in the air exhaled by an infected person. The aerosol that you breathe out while talking, singing or simply breathing can stay in the air for up to 12 hours. It contains fewer viruses than large airway droplets, but the risk of infection may exist, especially in confined spaces and when staying with a sick person for a long time.
The source of indirect infection, however, is various surfaces that have been contaminated by the coronavirus. These are countertops, shop counters, packaging of various products, door handles, handrails or buttons in the elevator. Remember that on steel surfaces, the coronavirus can survive up to 72 hours, so it is worth taking various security measures to avoid indirect contamination.
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Remember that coronavirus can be infected by droplets, so saliva particles can settle on various objects, including surfaces, e.g. in a taxi. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the taxi is used by many random people who can contaminate its interior with the coronavirus. Coronavirus can persist on various surfaces for up to several days.
The risk of infection from airborne transmission increases when we spend a lot of time in a confined space and there is insufficient ventilation. When a face mask is worn, the flow of exhaled aerosols is restricted. Some studies suggest that this barrier prevents molecules from moving quickly over 30 cm.
Even so, many people choose to travel by taxi because they feel more secure when traveling with only one person. In addition, the driver is facing them with his fingers and is often separated from the passenger by a special cover.
When getting into a taxi, there are simple rules to follow to avoid contamination. First, you should disinfect your hands with a disinfectant both before and after a taxi trip. In addition, try to avoid contact with various surfaces in the taxi, such as upholstery, glass, door handles, etc. It is also crucial to remember about the obligation to cover the mouth and nose.
It may also be a good idea to wear protective gloves when traveling and carefully remove them after the journey. Also, be sure not to touch your eyes, mouth and nose. In this way, we will reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus on myself.
It should also be remembered that the procedures in force in a given network also affect the reduction of the risk of coronavirus infection. Taking care of the taxi’s safety is also largely the responsibility of the driver.
Are you infected with the coronavirus or someone close to you has COVID-19? Or maybe you work in the health service? Would you like to share your story or report any irregularities that you have witnessed or affected? Write to us at: [email protected]. We guarantee anonymity!
In some networks, drivers are not allowed to leave the car at stops, e.g. at the airport or railway stations, and are even required to disinfect the door handles. Some taxis also have disinfectants for both the driver and passenger. In addition, some networks disinfect their taxis every day to ensure maximum safety for their passengers.
The editorial board recommends the most important articles about the coronavirus:
- The latest Polish recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19. Prof. Flisiak: it depends on the four stages of the disease
- The most dangerous symptom of COVID-19. It cannot be taken lightly
- Your doctor advises you on how to get COVID-19 at home. “It makes no sense to take medications prophylactically”
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