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Preventive actions to help in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus include not only thorough hand disinfection, but also a responsible attitude in public places, especially in food stores. Should we disinfect bread for fear of coronavirus? Or maybe it is enough to wear plastic gloves that hang next to the bread section? We asked dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Dzieśćtkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw.
The coronavirus COVID-19, which was first detected in the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei province, has spread rapidly around the world. It causes legitimate concern because it is similar to other coronaviruses (SARS or MERS), which are dangerous to human health and life. The COVID-19 coronavirus is spread by airborne droplets (an oral-fecal route is also possible), attacking the respiratory system. It causes a dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, as well as fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Find out more: Coverage of the Wuhan coronavirus [current map]
To protect yourself from it, first of all, wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect your hands. When coughing or sneezing, you need to cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or with a disposable tissue. Avoid crowds in public places. During the period of increased expansion of the coronavirus, it is worth staying at home.
Foil gloves in stores – why should you put them on?
As mentioned, with the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus so rapidly, special care should be taken in public places, including grocery stores where we shop. Large stores have started disinfecting carts and baskets, but what about food products? The most important question is about bread. Especially since not everyone is able to afford baking at home.
- Also check: How to properly ventilate the apartment?
In the shops, next to the bread section, there are always disposable plastic gloves and pouches. Not only in the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus, but in every situation you should absolutely use them, because not using them may result in infection not only with the coronavirus, but also with salmonella, herpes or hepatitis A.
In an interview with dr hab. a question regarding the disinfection of bread appeared, which strongly advised against this method. Especially that in most supermarkets it is recommended to take bread with disposable gloves. People worried about contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus can choose from specially packaged products (sliced bread or toasted bread).
Check out other information on the coronavirus as well:
- Coronavirus in Poland. Where to report when you have symptoms? List of infectious wards
- Do you suspect getting the COVID-19 coronavirus? Here are the steps to follow
- Do you know how to protect yourself from the coronavirus? Answer 10 important questions
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.