Hand washing.

Thu 12 Mar 2020, 13:16

A counter to the government’s policy - based on real historical data not just mathematical models: how the spread and numbers of deaths were cut in the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/rapid-response-was-crucial-containing-1918-flu-pandemic

Thu 12 Mar 2020, 12:07

Well worth reading, I think. It certainly describes government policy as I see it, and I hadn't realised how different that strategy is from WHO advice.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-11/keep-calm-and-wash-your-hands-britain-s-strategy-to-beat-virus

Thu 12 Mar 2020, 11:47

A professor of chemistry says that soap is the best way to kill viruses and explains why:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/12/science-soap-kills-coronavirus-alcohol-based-disinfectants

Thu 12 Mar 2020, 11:16

What really matters is avoiding kissing, embracing and touching other people. While some folk continue to find such avoidance embarrassing and a reason for giggling, and just go ahead anyway, all of us are that much more at risk.

It's true that most people who catch the virus are not seriously affected. On the other hand, some most certainly are. I am particularly vulnerable for three reasons, not just one! So if you are desperate to go round hugging and kissing all your friends, please desist, or at least ask permission first. You might be saving a life, and that matters more.

Infecting a vulnerable person's partner is just as bad, by the way.

Wed 11 Mar 2020, 22:01 (last edited on Wed 11 Mar 2020, 22:27)

I'm not sure this approach is necessary. There is little evidence that the virus survives on porous surfaces very well, although there is a small risk. The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands regularly and dry them thoroughly too. It's important to remember that even if you were to touch a contaminated surface, the virus still has to enter your body, so not touching your face is really important too. Most transmission is by infected droplets.

NHS advice on how to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus is here:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Wed 11 Mar 2020, 19:07

The best thing to use is Washing up liquid. Also, wear rubber gloves when taking in your post and parcels. When you have opened either and thrown away paper, wash your rubber gloves in washing up liquid. Then wash your hands .