As we continue to be ravaged by the ferocity of the virus, the onus is on each one of us to remember that simple tools and practices can arrest the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has issued simple easy to follow guidelines to “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic - Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus”.
You can view the guidelines here. We request you to spread the word and share the manual liberally.
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has issued a simple easy to follow guideline to “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic - Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus”. As the pandemic rages in India, we need to once again remember that simple tools and practices can reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The advisory highlights the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the viral load of infected air in poorly ventilated houses, offices etc. Ventilation can decrease the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other.
Just as smells can be diluted from the air by opening windows and doors and using exhaust systems, ventilating spaces with improved directional airflow decrease the accumulated viral load in the air, reducing the risk of transmission.
Ventilation is a community defence that protects all of us at home or at work. Introducing outdoor air in offices, homes and larger public spaces is advised. Measures to improve ventilation in these spaces must be taken up on urgent priority in urban and rural areas alike, recommendations for hutments, homes, offices and large centralised buildings are given. Simple strategic placement of fans, open windows and doors, even slightly open windows can introduce outdoor air and improve the air quality inside. The introduction of cross ventilation and exhaust fans will be beneficial in curtailing the spread of the disease.
In buildings with central air-management systems improving central air filtration /increased filtration efficiency is especially helpful when enhanced outdoor air delivery options are limited. In offices, auditoriums, shopping malls etc. use of gable fan systems and roof ventilators are recommended. Frequent cleaning and replacement of filters are highly recommended.
Saliva and nasal discharged in the form of droplets and aerosols, by an infected person while exhaling, talking, speaking, singing, laughing, coughing or sneezing etc. is the primary mode of virus transmission. An infected person who shows no symptoms can also transmit the virus. People without symptoms can spread the virus. People should continue wearing a mask, wear double masks or an N95 mask.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects a human host where it can multiply. In the absence of the host it cannot survive, and stopping the transmission of the virus from one person to another person will decrease the infection rate of the disease to a level where it can eventually die. This can be achieved only with the support and cooperation of individuals, communities, local bodies and authorities. With the use of masks, ventilation, distancing, and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won.
