Wearing face masks, social distancing, sanitation and adequate ventilation can prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Union government's principal scientific adviser K VijayRaghavan's office said in a set of "easy to follow" guidelines to combat the pandemic.
"Always Remember: People who show no symptoms can also spread the virus," the document, titled "Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic" said. While droplets fall within 2 meters from an infected person, smaller aerosol particles are carried in the air up to 10 metres, it said.
Aerosol and droplet transmission
Saliva and nasal discharged in the form of droplets and aerosols by an infected person is the primary mode of virus transmissions, the document said, adding that infected person without symptoms also transmit the virus.
"Just as smells can be diluted by ventilation, the dangerous concentration of the virus can be reduced by ensuring that outdoor air flows in," it said.
Surface transmission
Droplets emitted by an infected person land on various surfaces (where they can survive for a long time), the advisory said, calling for frequent cleaning of high contact points such as door handles, light switches, tables, chairs and the floor with disinfectants like bleach and phenyl.
AdvertisementWear Masks
People should wear a double layer mask or an N95 mask, which offers maximum protection, the new guidelines said. For Double Masking, wear a surgical mask, then wear another tight fitting cloth mask over it, the advisory said, adding that those who do not have a surgical mask can wear two cotton masks together.
Advertisement"Ideally surgical mask should be used only once, but when pairing, you can use it up to 5 times by leaving it in a dry place for 7 days after one use (ideally give it some sun exposure)," it said.
Ventilation at home, work spaces
AdvertisementThe document, particularly highlighted the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other.
"Just as smells can be diluted from the air through opening windows and doors and using exhaust systems, ventilating spaces with improved directional air flow decreases the accumulated viral land in the air, reducing the risk of transmission," the document, titled "Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic" says.
Simple strategic placement of fans, open windows and doors, even slightly open windows can introduce outdoor air and improve the air quality inside, it added.
"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 fiters is highly recommended," the advisory noted.
Community-level Testing and Isolation
Get Rapid Antigen Testing done for people entering the area.ASHA/Anganwadi/Health Workers must be trained and protected forconducting the Rapid Antigen Test.These health workers must be given a certified N95 mask evenif they are vaccinated.ASHA/Anganwadi/Health Workers to also be provided oximeters tomonitor infected person.The support and cooperation of individuals, communities, local bodies and authorities was necessary to stop the transmission of the virus and decrease the infection rate to a level where it can eventually die, the guidelines said, adding: " with the use of masks, ventilation, distancing, and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won".
At least 2.57 crore people in India have been infected with Covid, which has also led to death of 2.87 lakh people since the pandemic began early last year.
