There’s still a lot to learn about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We do know that there are some precautions that we can take to help slow the spread of the disease. Here are the top 10 ways you can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after any activity.

This includes blowing your nose, coughing, etc. Always wash your hands before eating or cooking.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ENVIRO Group (@envirogroupasia)

2. Wear a mask (disposable or cloth mask).

A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ENVIRO Group (@envirogroupasia)

3. Maintain social distancing. Work from home if possible and avoid large gatherings, public spaces and public transportation.

Keep three to six feet between yourself and others. Avoid social touching, this includes shaking hands, kissing or hugging, instead try a hand wave or a smile.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ENVIRO Group (@envirogroupasia)

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Be mindful to keep your hands away from any location on your face where a virus could enter your body.

5. Clean “high-touch” surfaces regularly.

It’s still unknown if COVID-19 can spread from hard surfaces to people or how long it may live outside the human body. Take extra caution and clean high-touch surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, desks, toilets, faucets, and sinks with household disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ENVIRO Group (@envirogroupasia)

6. Stop sharing

Even though you may usually steal a bite from your kid’s plate or share a dessert with a friend or spouse, now is the time to be selfish with your food. Don’t share any common kitchen objects such as dishes, drinking glasses, utensils, cups, and, of course, food with anyone—even the people in your home. Also be sure to wash any kitchen items thoroughly after use with hot water and soap, or put them in the dishwasher.

7. If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19:

Learn more about when to seek care and options for speaking with a caregiver. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ENVIRO Group (@envirogroupasia)

8. Avoid any unnecessary travel.

While you may be tempted to visit your grandkids or family, don’t travel during this time because it may expose you to someone who may be infected.

9. Prepare for your needs in case you’ll need to stay home for an extended period.

Make sure you have enough groceries, household items and medications (including over-the-counter medicines) on hand, and that you know how to order more either online or by making a phone call.

10. Have a plan if you get sick.

Talk to friends and family about who can help you if you get sick. Plan who could cook and deliver meals, run errands and even take care of you.

Extra precautions for high-risk patients

Individuals who are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 are recommended to take extra precautions to stay safe. This includes individuals who:

• Are over the age of 60
• Have heart disease
• Have diabetes
• Have lung disease, including asthma
• Are taking immunosuppressive drugs

If you’re at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, do not travel. Traveling may expose you to someone who may be infected. Make sure you have a plan if you get sick. Talk to your friends and family or you can sign-up for a mobile or online meal delivery service.

Lastly, another way you can help reduce the spread is by educating others. Share this article with your family and friends so they can also help prevent the people they love from getting sick.

Children and young people should understand basic age-appropriate coronavirus (COVID-19) information, including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted, and how to prevent transmission.

Get information about COVID-19 from reliable sources of information such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health and the Government website dedicated to COVID-19.

Follow our advice:

• In a situation like this, it is normal to feel sad, worried, confused, scared or angry. You should know that you are not alone and should talk to someone you trust, such as a parent or a trusted adult so that you can protect yourself and your health.
• Ask questions, educate yourself and listen to information from reliable sources.
• Wash your hands frequently, always with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Remember not to touch your face.
• Do not share cups, food or drinks with others.
• Do not stigmatize and exclude your peers and do not tease anyone that they are ill; remember that the virus does not know about geographical boundaries, ethnicity, age, ability or gender.
• Tell your parents, another family member or whomever that is taking care of you if you are feeling sick and ask to stay home.
• Be aware of false information and misconceptions, whether transmitted verbally or online.
• Take a break from watching, reading, or listening to the news, including social networks. Listening about the spread of the viral infection multiple times throughout the day can be disturbing.
• Take care of your body. Take a deep breath, stretch out or meditate. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise regularly, sleep a lot, and avoid harmful substances.
• Have some time for relaxing. Try to combine things you have to do with activities you enjoy.

 Don’t forget:

• People with the virus circulating in the population and transmit it to others, often without knowing that they may be symptom-free or only have mild symptoms. That is why it is important to accept the call to stay home in order to avoid transmission and to go into quarantine if symptoms appear.

Recommendations for parents of adolescents

Children and adolescents often react in the same way as the adults around them. When adults deal with an unpleasant topic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with calm and confidence, they are providing them with the best support.

Parents can provide more stable support for others around them, especially for children, if they are better prepared. Not all adolescents respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes you should pay attention to:

• Excessive worrying or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and inappropriate behaviours
• Avoiding school-related obligations
• Attention and concentration difficulties
• Avoiding activities he/she used to enjoy in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body aches
• Alcohol, tobacco or substance abuse

 There are many things you can do to support them:

• Take some time to talk to your child about the COVID-19 pandemic. Answer their questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child can understand.
• Convince your child that they are safe. Let them know that it’s okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you cope with your own stress.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news, including social media. Children can misinterpret what they hear and may be scared of something they do not understand.
• Try to maintain regular routines. Make a schedule of work activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model. Rest, sleep, exercise and eat well. Connect with friends and family members.

 Don’t forget:

• Explain to them that by protecting their own health, they are also protecting the health of everyone around them.

Air Purifier

“Air purifier” is a great name for a product: it’s simple, it’s direct and it addresses a major universal concern. It is as universal as it gets. After all, even little kids have been exposed to the idea that the air is not that clean anymore, that there is pollution and “bad things” in it. The first thing a person will associate with the term “air purifier” is “a device that will clean the air and get rid of bad things in it”. Similarly, an “Air Filter” gets straight to the point as well. A device that filters the air, and works the same way as an air purifier: “a device that will clean the air and get rid of bad things in it”. 

What are they? Aren’t they the same?

The answer to this is both yes and no. Air purifiers and filters both do the same job of filtering contaminants and harmful particles from the air, but the difference is that they do so in a different manner. Air filters are commonly installed into air ducts and cooling systems across homes and buildings, and they trap and contain contaminants to prevent the circulation of those harmful particles across buildings and homes. Air purifiers instead can be a standalone system with a variety of them being sold across the market nowadays, and they help with the filtration of air.

Air Filters for Homes

Air Filters are great for many homes as they are able to remove particles that can cause allergies and collect dust, effectively cleaning an area, though its filters may need replacing. They also help kill pathogens that are sucked into the air filtration device, reducing indoor air pollution. Harmful environments can easily be negated with the use of both an air filter and air purifier, and in many cases can help those with or without respiratory problems simply with the use of them. Air purifiers can range from cheaper and weaker ones to stronger but more expensive ones, accommodating for all at every price point.

Back to the question of doing air purifiers or air filters really work? In short, yes they do help indoor air environments. Research shows it helps not only allergic or asthmatic patients and those with other preexisting conditions but anyone exposed to sufficiently hazardous indoor air pollution. Long term exposure to harmful particles in the air can also cause health risks such as hypertension, which an air filter and purifier working together can greatly reduce the risk of.

What is air duct contamination?

Mold, water and dirt can stick to the air ducts all across our homes and can be a possible source of harmful particles that are present in many homes which can lead to contamination within those very air ducts. Whether or not you decide to have the air ducts cleaned, committing to a good preventive maintenance program is essential to minimize the risk of duct contamination.

Besides dirt being present in air ducts, duct flooding and becoming wet in general can also cause many problems as it would become moist within the air ducts and biological growth such as mold will occur. Air ducts should be heavily considered to be cleaned if there is visible mold growth inside the ducts, insects or rodents are living in them, or the air ducts have a substantial amount of dust or dirt within them. 

The prevention of the accumulation of dirt within air ducts can be quite simple. Having a good, efficient air filter and changing its filters regularly is but one of them, and other methods include simply vacuuming and rid the house of dust regularly. Humidifiers used in the house should also be strictly adhering to what the manufacturers have recommended.

On the other hand, preventing ducts from becoming wet or flooded and possibly risking a vermin infection in the future can be a bit more complicated. The most important thing is that the air duct system is properly installed, if not this risk is greatly increased. Humidity and condensation in the cooling coils within an air duct also play a huge part in the moisture present within them, and although difficult, that condensation must be controlled. Insulation of the coils and the air ducts as well as making sure that they are dry and kept away from air conditioned sports are substantial to making sure condensation and moisture within the air ducts are controlled.

Air ducts can be hard to manage and control, but it definitely plays a part in keeping indoor air quality and health clean and safe from harmful particles, which is essential before, during and even after this pandemic.

What is the novel coronavirus?

To put it simply, this virus is an extremely small yet dangerous one that recently caused a global pandemic as it can cause many respiratory problems that transmit through airborne particles. This doesn’t mean it stays in the air though, as it is transmitted through the air via sneezing and coughing, much like the normal flu that we are used to seeing.  

Due to its small size of 0.06 to 0.14 microns no filter is able to be 100% effective, but there is a big difference between having a good filter and a bad one, as it is still able to greatly reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus. Many overlook the importance of a good filter and having good and clean indoor air quality especially during this time of crisis. Excluding the novel coronavirus, a good filter and ventilation system can also reduce risks from influenza, rhinovirus, tuberculosis and SARS, all of which are deadly viruses in their own right.

Improve the indoor air quality in your home and work environments

With the mutation of the coronavirus, many people who are infected with it could also possibly be asymptomatic and unknowingly spread the virus to friends and family by simply just talking or breathing, that risk that can be reduced simply by having a cleaner and healthier indoor air. In addition to that, the effects of bad indoor air quality, besides some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely damaging to one’s health or even fatal. It is essential to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home and work environments even if symptoms are not noticeable.

Are air purifiers really enough to reduce the risk of viruses in the air? Though air purifiers have been proven to be useful and improve air quality, it typically is unable to manage large spaces by itself, the volume of air would be overwhelming for a singular air purifier. Due to this, a MVAC air filter unit being used alongside an air purifier of good quality would be the overall best solution for improving indoor air quality, be it at home or at work.

How do you improve your air quality at home or at work? Are you breathing clean, healthy air? Don’t forget to read our other article about the risk of public transportation [link].

Public Transport

The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect our day to day lives, and public transport is no exception. Many countries around the world have advised against, and some restricted travel. What about public transport to help us go around? Are they still safe to use as countries around the world slowly start to open up once again?

Many public transport companies have put measures into place to stop the spread of coronaviruses, such as masks being essential in taxis and enforcing social distancing on trains and buses. Many airlines around the world have also been suspending, consolidating or rescheduling flights and some airports have been shut. Governments have advised people to avoid non-essential international travel and encouraged citizens to return to their respective countries as soon as possible, provided with at least 14-days quarantine to monitor symptoms and reduce risks of infection. 

Coronavirus is an Airborne Virus

Coronavirus is an airborne virus, meaning that it is easy to contract and could be anywhere where there is even one that is infected with the virus, making public transport options very risky even with measures put into place. This is even more so when one uses services such as Uber and Grab, where social distancing is not possible due to the small space of a car, and therefore the only way to minimize the risk of taking taxis and cabs are to practice regular hygiene practices, stock up some hand sanitisers, anti-microbial wet tissues or wind down the window screens if necessary.

With the many factors that have to be taken into consideration about the risk of taking public transportations during this pandemic, we should simply stick to the usual advice of being clean, washing our hands, cleaning surfaces or not touching them, maintaining social distancing and even disinfecting the area if there is a risk of coronavirus being contracted by a family member or friend. It must be also taken into consideration that each trip made must be truly essential and if a bike or a personal means of transport can be used, that will take priority over public transport.

Do you still take and use public transport? What are your concerns on using them during this pandemic? 

Particulate (particle pollution)

Particulate matter (also referred to as PM or particle pollution) is a complex mixture of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in air. These particles can vary in size, shape and composition. Smaller particles specifically are of larger concern, as these particles can affect the heart and lungs and in some cases cause serious health effects. 

Although the human body may be used to the PM outdoors, indoor Particle pollution may be of more concern to the human body and our health.  Indoor PM levels are dependent on several factors including outdoor levels, infiltration, types of ventilation and filtration systems used, indoor sources, and personal activities of occupants. In homes without smoking or other strong particle sources, the indoor PM would be expected to be the same as, or lower than, outdoor levels.

Health Effects of Inhalable Particles

Inhaling these particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. Many studies directly link the size of particles to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. People with heart or lung diseases such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), children and older adults may be at greater risk from PM exposure. Scientific studies have linked PM exposure to a variety of health impacts, including:

• Eye, nose and throat irritation;
• Aggravation of coronary and respiratory disease symptoms; and
• Premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

Where do indoor particles originate from?

Particulate matter found indoors will include both particles of outdoor origin that migrate indoors and particles that originate from indoor sources. Indoor PM can be generated through cooking and combustion activities such as burning of cigarettes, candles, use of fireplaces, and the use of unvented space heaters or kerosene heaters.

What is Mold? First, we must understand that there is always some mold around. Mold has been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold can get in your home through open doors, windows, vents, heating as well as air conditioning, and in addition to that airborne mold can be carried back home through clothes or pets. 
Sampling of mold, which is used to check a building’s compliance with the mold standard as well as to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated, is typically carried out by professionals with experience with mold. This allows one to make sure that an area is as clean as it can be from mold, though if no visible mold can be seen, sampling of mold is unnecessary.
Mold can grow just about anywhere that has moisture and will pose a health risk to many. 

9 things you should know about mold:

1- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
2- There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4- Fix sources of water problems or leaks to prevent mold growth.
5- Reduce indoor humidity (by up to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
– Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources outside
– Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers
– Increasing ventilation
– Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
– Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

6- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
7- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
8- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
9- Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.