Introduction to SARS-CoV-2

SUMMARY: Close contact with people via mouth or nose secretions (rephrase in own words - sentence is from WHO) promotes COVID-19 transmission. The virus can spread via saliva, respiratory secretions, or other secretion droplets. (rephrase in own words - sentence is from WHO). When an individual coughs, sneezes, talks, shouts, or sings, their secretion droplets can reach other people within 1-2 meters. Respiratory droplets enter via the eyes, nose, and mouth, and cause infection.

AEROSOLS: Some medical procedures produce aerosols - small droplets that have the ability to stay suspended in the air for some time. These aerosols can also contain SARS-CoV-2; individuals that inhale aerosols are prone to COVID-19 infection. Aerosol transmission of COVID-19 has been reported in closed areas like restaurants and nightclubs, where people talk a lot, secreting heavy amounts of respiratory droplets.

SPEECH DROPLETS: Speech droplets are considered to be a likely method of transmission. Loud speech can emit thousands of fluid droplets per second. In closed environments, the fluid speech droplets disappear within 8-14 minutes. This study shows that even normal speech promotes airborne transmission of COVID-19.

SAFETY MEASURES: To avoid COVID-19 infection from human respiratory droplets, individuals must keep a 6 feet distance from others, always wear a mask, avoid touching their nose, mouth, and eyes when in public, and frequently wash their hands with soap. Healthcare workers should always wear personal and medical protective equipment when working at the hospital in order to avoid infection by aerosols.

SUMMARY: Individuals infected with COVID-19 may leave infected respiratory droplets on surfaces and objects like tables, doorknobs, and handrails. Others who contact these infected surfaces or objects and touch their nose, mouth, or eyes without washing their hands, may get infected.

FOOD CONTAINERS, FOOD PACKAGING, and FOOD: There is currently no evidence of anyone contracting COVID-19 after touching food containers or packaging. However, it is possible for virus particles to linger on fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is best to take safety precautions when handling food containers, food packaging, and food itself.

HOUSEHOLD SURFACES: According to a study by the National Institute of Health (NIH), COVID-19 can live up to 4 hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to 3 days on stainless steel and plastic surfaces.

STOOL, URINE, and OTHER BODILY FLUIDS: SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in the stool of some people. Though it is still unclear whether the virus spreads through bodily fluids like urine, vomit, breast milk, or semen, it has potential to do so.

SAFETY MEASURES: To avoid indirect COVID-19 infection, individuals must always wash and fully sanitize their hands before touching their nose, mouth, and eyes. It is also crucial to regularly cleanse and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, objects, or things, both in public and in the household. In addition, individuals must follow the food safety guidelines when handling food from outside, including groceries. An important food safety guideline is to wash food containers, food packaging, and food items, to avoid contracting COVID-19 through touching virus particles that could be lingering on these containers or foods. When grocery shopping, individuals must wear gloves and masks, and maintain proper social distancing.