What is COVID-19?

Pest Control / What is COVID-19?

What is COVID-19?

U.S Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) defines coronavirus as a family of viruses which causes mild ailments like the common cold and already circulate amongst human beings. COVID-19, on the other hand, is a new virus that was recently found in China. Researchers are still learning and unlearning new things about this strain every day.

COVID-19 is a virus that causes respiratory illnesses and the common symptoms, as of now, are fever, dry cough and difficulty in breathing. Just like most other respiratory diseases, it spreads via touch, i.e. human-to-human contact.

How to Prevent Coronavirus?

Australia has been primarily affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic. It’sIt’s highly contagious nature targets clusters, and therefore, every single person needs to follow preventive measures thoroughly. The most important of following hygiene practices in order to protect those around you. Moreover, it is essential to develop product and safety information when it comes to maintaining hygiene. This is because one doesn’t just need to take cleaning and hygiene standards seriously, but you need to make sure that they are being implemented efficiently.

Cleaning Measures

Handwash: It is believed that washing hands frequently can prevent germs from spreading. Although surveys have proved that 95% of people wash their hands incorrectly. Here is the correct method:

  • Rinse hands with water before lathering soap
  • Apply on the front as well as the back of your hands, including the cavities between finger and under nails. Don’t forget to lather the thumb.
  • Scrub continuously for 20 seconds before washing the soap off and drying the hands using a clean towel.

Sanitising: In case soap and water are not available at a place, hand sanitisers having an alcohol percentage of 60% or more can be a practical substitute. Apply it in the below manner.

  • Pump out two squirts of the product on your hand
  • Rub both hands while covering the front, back, finger cavities.

Disinfecting: EPA Viral Emerging Pathogen Policy has accorded a list of cleaning products as well as disinfectants that can effectively kill off COVID-19.
These can be referred to here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Tips for Cleaning and Disinfecting:

  • Remove extra dirt by pre-cleaning before disinfecting.
  • Apply disinfectant and let the surface dry as mentioned on the product label.
  • When disinfecting surfaces like toys or food contact paces, wash with water once the disinfectant has dried upon it.
  • Things such as your phone that you use with your hands often need to be disinfected thoroughly now and then.
  • Disinfectant wipes should be thrown away post-use, and no non-flushable products should be flushed.
  • In case of any further doubts, you can visit the product website for more information on its effectiveness.

Hygiene in Various Situations

Home: When you are at home, it is recommended that you wash your hands after using the toilet, touching the garbage or diapers, before and after eating food and after using pet food. Frequently touched objects like switchboards and should be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Also, if someone is sick, these guidelines apart from the mandatory cleaning and disinfecting need to be followed.

Workplace: The first and foremost rule to remember is staying home if you are sick and encouraging others to do the same. Apart from this, wash your hands before and after eating and after using the washroom. Also, use a tissue paper to touch typical snacks to keep any germs from spreading.

School: Educate children about thorough hand washing techniques and keep reminding them to wash their hands timely (before and after lunch or snacks and post using the bathroom). Furthermore, keep them at home when sick. Also, ask the daycare or school about additional prevention measures that they are following.

Daily Errands: After contacting surfaces that are often touched by many people, avoid touching your face. Other than this, use an antibacterial wipe for the shopping cart handle, mainly when a kid is riding it. Additionally, reusable bags should be washed once home. The safest thing to do nonetheless is using a grocery delivery service until possible.

Travelling: The essential thing is to put off moving until necessary. But, if you have to go, keep a 6 feet distance from anyone who is sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.

Wash your hands properly after going through security checks at the airport as well as getting out of the aeroplane.

Implementing all the above-defined practices will reduce the chance of you and your loved ones contracting the virus. The best way though is to practise social distancing.

If you have any doubts or need pest control services in Melbourne, contact Tradie Team. We are here to support you through the crisis.

Additional Resources

Coronavirus Policy

Articles on Coronavirus and Cleaning