The SARS-CoV-2, is a highly pathogenic human coronavirus (HCoV), which has caused the global pandemic with alarming morbidity and mortality.
The virus spreads from human to human through saliva and nasal respiratory discharge. Mutations can accumulate in the virus which make new ‘variants of concern.’ Some virus variants may have higher transmission and infection rates.
If COVID Appropriate Behaviour is not followed, surges of infection can re-occur. The virus can quickly spread from a small number of people to a very large population.
Rigorously follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour to reduce and control the transmission of the virus.
Simple interventions and behaviour change can protect you and others from infection.
Even one infected person showing no symptoms can release enough droplets to create a “viral load” that can infect many others. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear in an infected person, during which time they may continue to transmit the virus to others. Some people may never show symptoms and still transmit the virus.
Saliva and nasal discharge in the form of droplets and aerosols carry the virus from one person to another. Larger size droplets fall to the ground and on surfaces, and smaller aerosol particles are carried in the air to greater distances.
In closed un-ventilated indoor spaces, droplets and aerosols become quickly concentrated and greatly increase the risk of transmission to people in the area.
Infection transmission risk is much lower in outdoor areas, as virus particles get quickly dispersed.
Just as smells can be diluted by ventilation, the dangerous concentration of the virus can be reduced by ensuring that outdoor air flows in.
Very High Risk
A mask should:
Wear masks when away from home and also at home when with outsiders.
High Risk
Pair Two Masks Together
Low Risk
For Double Masking:
Surgical masks should never be washed.
Let outdoor air flow in to displace indoor air. This directional air flow and improved ventilation can lower the potential for infection from accumulated viral load in closed spaces. Better the ventilation, lower the potential for transmission.
Fan placement is important. Avoid placing fans in a way that could potentially cause contaminated air to flow directly to someone else. Installing an exhaust fan is important. Keep exhaust fans running if the windows and doors are shut.
Add an exhaust fan OR turn a pedestal fan into an exhaust fan by turning it to face outdoors, to create the ideal air flow for maximum protection from indoor infection.
For More information about Ventilation Click Here.
Every person who tests positive should be given a certified N95 mask, or a surgical mask if this is not feasible, and advised isolated as per ICMR guidelines.
Source : PSA Advisory to Prevent Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Last Modified : 11/22/2021
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