Many research studies were conducted ever since WHO declared the spread of coronavirus as a pandemic. Many of these studies focus on the duration that the virus survives on a variety of surfaces. According to scientists, the maximum number of days that the virus can stay active was five (5) days.
However, new research adds a question mark to the old ones. The latest research states that the virus can survive for up to twenty-eight (28) days on surfaces. Let us look into a few points about this research and see what safety precautions we can learn from this.
About the research
This research is from a team of scientists who belong to the Australian Centre for disease preparedness (ACDP) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO), which is the national science agency that backs this research.
Two research centers in Australia do a joint study to determine Covid-19 lifespan on surfaces. [Image courtesy of CSIRO-Australia]
COVID-19 remains on the surface for 28 days
The Australian research team states that COVID-19 can remain active on surfaces for twenty-eight days. This statement is valid for the following surfaces.
Glass surfaces, such as desks, tables and mobile phones
Stainless steel surfaces
Vinyl surfaces
Semi-porous surfaces such as paper, banknotes and cheques
The survival of the virus depends on temperature
The novel coronavirus can survive for a longer time in cold temperatures, which means that the virus can die faster during the summers due to warmer climates.
The survival of the virus also depends on the material of the surface
The virus can also remain for a longer duration on paper notes. Plastic notes or credit cards do not allow the virus to stay on for longer. Paper notes contain cotton or paper, which are more porous in comparison with plastic.
90% transmission via droplets & 10% via contact
The scientist says that the transmission occurs mostly by droplets. There is a higher chance of catching infection by coughing or sneezing than shaking hands.
Regardless of this, the practice of washing hands is still critical as it helps to reduce the 10% chance of transmission because of a handshake.
The coronavirus lives longer than Influenza Virus
The influenza virus is a type of virus that scientists already know a lot about. This is commonly known as the flu. It was also the cause of the Spanish flu of 1918, caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus. However, scientists believe that coronavirus lives longer than the influenza virus on surfaces.
What can we learn from such research?
Such research helps us to learn about the nature of the new virus. For example, the activeness of the virus on different surfaces also depends on the temperature. At 20 degrees centigrade, the virus can survive for twenty-eight days.
These surfaces include the mobile phones that we use. Hence, mobile phones can also become a significant source of transmission in today’s modern world. As the temperature increases, the survival time of the virus also decreases.
The current reopening of lock downs is allowing social interaction, which can increase the chances of the coronavirus spread. This virus can find its hidden spot in public areas, work places, shopping centers, and other environments, making it essential for these places to be properly sanitized and disinfected.
Such research will help in the development of strategies to reduce the risk of infection. Till then, we must continue the practice of regular hand washing and sanitizing of places where the chances of infection are prevalent because we have yet to know the amount of virus that causes the infection.
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The effects of the CoronaVirus are widespread. A single virus has brought down the entire structure of society as we all are aware of it. Businesses are now in a state of dilemma. They are wondering about the specific insurance possibilities to combat this unprecedented situation. The revenue loss, accountability of the employee’s health, and welfare remain important issues. These issues are the top priority of every business around the globe.
Insurance Options for Businesses
The effectiveness of a policy depends on how well it works in various situations. Below is a summary of some strategies that may help businesses deal with this pandemic.
Environmental Policies
Environmental policies come to mind almost immediately when dealing with a virus outbreak. However, there is a certain limitation on these types of policies. Furthermore, these would require a thorough review to ensure maximum coverage. A general environmental policy includes coverage of bodily injury and property damage. However, these policies are often tailor-made. The majority of these are according to the exposure to risks of a company/business.
COVID-19 Specific Environmental Policy
In the case of a pandemic like the COVID-19, a policy for ‘decontamination Expenses’ may come into play. This coverage would cover the cost of decontaminating a specific site post-disinfection. In this case, coverage may not be fit for COVID-19.
But, it is difficult to utilize this policy to face unexpected situations in a business. However, it may still apply to the loss of expenses due to disinfection and contamination.
Health Specific Environmental Policy
This policy works for all those workers who have coverage for healthcare policy. The policy limits itself to cover only bodily injury. It also only applies to those employees who are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. However, insurance will cover the third person infected by the worker.
Event Cancellation Insurance
Many events have undergone cancellation due to the pandemic. Such event organizing businesses have suffered a lot during these difficult times. This insurance policy covers all the losses arising from the cancellation of events.
Event Cancellation in the Case of COVID-19
Although coverage may depend on the limitations of the policy, certain companies consider this and will offer coverage, whereas, some may not. It includes a cancellation that was not in control of the organizer. This policy does not extend to the lack of popularity of an event under any circumstances.
Travel Cancellation and Business Travel Coverage in the Case of Accidents
Another widely affected industry is the travel industry. The Travel Cancellation Policy no longer includes ‘CoronaVirus’ in their coverage.
Policy for Travelers
Limiting the coverage still has some opportunities for travelers. Travelers will get coverage if they are suffering from COVID-19 due to travel. Also, 24/7 services are available globally to passengers who wish to travel back home.
Policy for Business Travelers
The ‘Business Travel Accident Policy’ covers expenses in case of illness. This illness also includes infectious diseases. The policy also provides coverage for trip cancellations. These cancellations should be in the case of the passenger being too ill to travel.
‘Trip Interruption Coverage’ covers the passenger unable to travel. It may even be due to restrictions by the government. It applies well to the lockdown imposed in various countries across the globe.
Conclusion
There is no concept of ‘one policy fits all’. Primarily in an unprecedented situation like the coronavirus. Businesses must review their policies thoroughly so that they can ensure protection against possible losses arising from this pandemic.
COVID-19 is the new pandemic that everybody is talking about. We hear experts suggest that we wash our hands regularly. They also suggest cleaning disinfect houses. Furthermore, the CDC recommends paying special attention to high touch surfaces around us. Hence, people are doing so in their homes. But, people forget about the one thing that is also a high touch surface, our vehicles that can be the source of transmission of the virus.
Vehicles may be the only means of transport for many people. They are still using these to get essential items or to go to their offices. According to a research study, only a small percentage of Americans clean their cars once a year. Another surprising fact is that 12% of the Americans have never cleaned the inside of their vehicles.
HIGH TOUCH SURFACES IN YOUR CAR
High Touch Surfaces are not only present in your home. These are also present on the inside of your car. Sit down in your car and pay attention to its detail. Look around the interior and find out the places that you often touch. Examples of high touch surfaces inside your vehicle include:
Steering Wheel
Door Handles
Shift and Gear Lever
Buttons
Touch Screens
Wipers
Indicator signals
Armrests
Grab handles
Levers to adjust seats
You must disinfect all these areas to stop the spread of infection.
SPECIAL POINTS TO CONSIDER
Cleaning the interior of your car is a challenging job. You need to be careful not to ruin any of the material. It is suggested to avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the interior of the vehicles. Examples of such disinfectants include bleach or hydrogen peroxide. It is better to use a 70% alcohol solution to clean the interiors. Soap and water can also be used to clean the interiors as well. When cleaning electronics, it’s better to read the safety manual before disinfecting.
PERSONAL PROTECTION IS IMPORTANT
Make sure that you wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting your vehicles. Disinfectants are harsh chemicals. Therefore, it is essential that you properly ventilate the car. You can open the windows and doors for this purpose. After cleaning and disinfection, remove the gloves and discard them immediately. Wash your hands properly. Make sure that you do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with dirty hands.
STEPS TO DISINFECT YOUR VEHICLE
Hard non-porous surfaces include:
Armrests
Hard seats
Door handles
Seat belt buckles
Grab handles
The soft porous surface includes seats and any other fabric present inside your vehicle. Soap and water should be used to clean both types of surfaces. Then disinfect the surface with a disinfectant that you have.
In the case of electronic surfaces, remove the dirt with the help of a dry cloth. If the manual states, then you can use alcohol wipes for disinfection as well.
CONCLUSION
If you are using your vehicle to commute, then make a schedule for cleaning the interior of the vehicles. If you are sharing cars, always make sure that you have hand sanitizers inside. It will allow everyone to disinfect his or her hands properly. Moreover, you will not have to worry about the frequent disinfection of your car.
