The virus typically spreads during close contact when people cough or sneeze. It may also occur during conversation over a period of time in close contact. The virus attaches to water molecules in breath, sneezes and coughs. As these are heavy molecules they drop to the ground fairly quickly, so social distancing (maintaining a physical distance of 6 ft or 1.8 metres from others) helps reduce transmission.
Feb. 2021: researchers have found that coughing produces ten times more infectious 'aerosol' particles compared to sneezing or breathing. It is thought that this may explain why healthcare workers are four times more likely to contract the virus than the general population. There are now calls for them to be given higher grade PPE and for hospital ventilation to be improved. Infection rates for general hospital staff are almost double that of staff in intensive care units who have access to full PPE.
Recommended ways of preventing infection include frequent hand washing, social distancing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face.
An infection rate (R) of more than 1 means cases of the disease are increasing, while a rate of below R1 indicates that it is under control (the UK rate was R0.7 on 30 April.) The challenge is keeping it at this level while relaxing social distancing and isolation.
- Follow link to see: Here's what 6ft looks like (BBC News).
- The risk from books with paper or cardboard covers is negligible after 24 hours.
- The risk from books in plastic covers is negligible after 72 hours.
It is most contagious when people have symptoms, but spread is also possible before symptoms appear.
Recommended ways of preventing infection include frequent hand washing, social distancing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face.
An infection rate (R) of more than 1 means cases of the disease are increasing, while a rate of below R1 indicates that it is under control (the UK rate was R0.7 on 30 April.) The challenge is keeping it at this level while relaxing social distancing and isolation.
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