CORONAVIRUS RISK: THE SANITATION ASPECT

“Coronavirus can stay viable in the air for 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. And on surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days. If COVID-19 is similar to other coronaviruses such as SARS or MERS, it can stay on surfaces such as glass and metal for as long as 9 days.”¹

The above information is part of the latest health guide for the management of COVID-19. Aside from workers in the health sector, various categories of workers whose jobs put them in physical contact with many others are at the greatest riskof becoming sick and also be a carrier of the virus. From garbage collectors, maids, janitors etc. many people are now at risk of the virus or be a carrier of the virus. Presently, we have an average of 10 active cases in Lagos, while the team are working hard to trace the likely contacts of these active cases,there is need for each and every one of us to be vigilant.

There are two main routes of transmission of the COVID-19 virus: respiratory and contact. Respiratory droplets are generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Any person who is in close contact with someone who has respiratory symptoms (for example, sneezing, coughing) is at risk of being exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets. Droplets may also land on surfaces where the virus could remain viable; thus, the immediate environment of an infected individual can serve as a source of transmission (known as contact transmission).

Presently,the exact persistence period on surfaces has not been ascertained, however, it seems likely to behave like other coronaviruses. A recent review of the survival of human coronaviruses on surfaces found large variability, ranging from 2 hours to 9 days.The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity and specific strain of the virus. The same review also found that effective inactivation could be achieved within 1 minute using common disinfectants, such as 70% ethanol or sodium hypochlorite.

Hand hygiene in non−health care settings is one of the most important measures that can be used to prevent COVID-19 infection. In homes and other public places such as markets, places of worship etc. regular handwashing should occur before preparing food, before and after eating, after using the toilet or changing a baby’s diaper and after touching animals. When there are suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the home setting, immediate action must be taken to protect other family members from the risk of contact with respiratory secretions and excreta that may contain the COVID-19 virus.Frequently touched surfaces throughout the patient’s care area should be cleaned regularly, such as beside tables, bed frames and other bedroom furniture. Bathrooms should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a day. Regular household soap or detergent should be used for cleaning first and then, after rinsing, regular household disinfectant containing 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (that is, equivalent to 5000 ppm or 1 part household bleach with 5% sodium hypochlorite to 9 parts water) should be applied.

Furthermore, the management of waste and items used by people in self isolation and medical waste from facilities should be at the highest priority.Due to the outbreak, additional medical and hazardous waste would be generated such as infected masks, gloves and other protective equipment alongside a higher generation of non-infected materials. Thus, unsound management of these materials could cause unforeseen ripple effect on human health and the environment. It is however pertinent that safe handling and final disposal are incorporated in the emergency response plan. ²

As we observe various forms of social distancing. Lagos State government is already encouraging the public to remain at home unless absolutely necessary -- and that's a good thing. If you do need to step out, make sure you stay at least 1 metre away from other people. In fact, many are advising a distance of nearly 2 metres (6 feet). Avoid gatherings, and work from home if possible. Also, avoid handshakes and hugs while greeting people. Avoid all non-essential travel. Don't panic, but don't be complacent either. God be with us all.

References

1.     Kampf G, Todt D, Pfaender S, Steinmann E. Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents. J Hosp Infect. 2020;104(3):246−51.

2.     http://www.basel.int/Implementation/PublicAwareness/PressReleases/WastemanagementandCOVID19/tabid/8376/Default.aspx