Some people question the efficacy of personal protection equipment (PPE) in protecting us from COVID-19, thinking that the fight against the coronavirus requires much more sophisticated equipment. While it may be true that there is no way to guarantee that you will not catch the virus, using proper PPE can significantly decrease your chances of getting COVID-19. Read through our article to find out whether PPE is enough to battle COVID-19.
Disinfectants
Using disinfectants to clean surfaces like doorknobs, tables, devices, and any frequently touched surfaces can help fight COVID-19. Some disinfectants are proven to kill the virus that causes the coronavirus. It is recommended that you use cloth dabbed in disinfectants, such as diluted bleach or chlorine, to wipe indoor surfaces rather than spraying them. You should add one part of bleach or chlorine to forty-nine parts of water. You can also use 70-90% alcohol to disinfect contaminated surfaces effectively. For a thorough and more effective process, you should wipe the dirt off the surfaces using soap or detergents first, then proceed to disinfect them. When you return home from work or after running a few errands, you should properly wash your hands with soap or water, and use an alcohol-based hand rub before you touch anyone or anything.Â
Face Masks, and Shields
COVID-19 mainly spreads through infected droplets. These droplets can be discharged through the mouth or the nose, which means that if an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even spits while talking, they will spread the virus to those near to them. This is why face masks and shields are so important. If you are wondering where to buy PPE, you can check out any medical supply store. If the infected person is wearing a face mask, these droplets will be contained, and the chances of you catching COVID-19 would be even lower if you too are wearing a mask.Â
In order to be effective, face masks should properly hug the nose and extend down to the chin, covering your whole face. Face shields work pretty much the same way, except they protect your eyes as well. While taking off a face shield, you must remove it from the strap and pull it away from your head without touching your face. You should do the same with the face mask;Â remove it from the straps or bands without touching the mask itself. After you remove any of your PPE, you should wash your hands with soap thoroughly and use an alcohol-based hand rub.Â
Gloves
Wearing safety gloves while touching any public surfaces can be more effective in protecting you against the virus than merely disinfecting the surfaces. However, this is only applicable if you can get rid of them correctly. If you touch the used gloves when taking them off, it can end up backfiring. To safely dispose of the gloves, you should grasp them at the wrist without touching your bare skin, peel them away from your hands, turn them inside out, and throw them at the nearest bin.Â
COVID-19 is a very quickly transmitted virus. Due to its high fatality rate, people can be led to believe that simple measures, such as using personal protection equipment would not be enough. However, if used correctly, PPE can protect you and your loved ones from the virus.
Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.