Aerosols from infected person can travel in air up to 10 metres

Use of double masks, ventilation, distancing and sanitation are crucial

New Delhi: The Government on Thursday issued a set of guidelines to stop the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the country reels under the second wave of the pandemic. The “easy to follow guidelines” highlight the role of masks, social distancing, sanitation and ventilation in the country’s fight against the virus, according to a release issued by the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government.

Throwing light on how well-ventilated spaces can reduce the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other, the guidelines said, “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.”

It is important to remember that those with no symptoms could also spread the virus, the guidelines said. Saliva and nasal discharge in the form of droplets and aerosols are the primary mode of transmission of the virus from an infected person, it added. To prevent this from happening, everyone should continue to wear double masks as these droplets are transmitted while exhaling, talking, speaking, singing, laughing, coughing, sneezing etc.

“Droplets fall within 2 meters from an infected person and aerosols can be carried in the air up to 10 meters,” the Government said.

The virus infects human hosts, where it can multiply, and in the absence of the host, it cannot survive, the Government said. “Stopping the transmission of the virus from a person to another person will decrease the infection rate of the disease to a level where it can eventually die. This can be achieved only with the support and cooperation of individuals, communities, local bodies and authorities. Use of masks, ventilation, distancing and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won,” it added.

How to save ourselves in this case?

• One must always wear a mask when they are around people.
• People should wear a double layer mask or an N95 mask, which offers maximum protection.
• For double masking, wear a surgical mask, then wear another tight-fitting cloth mask over it. 
• Those who do not have a surgical mask can wear two cotton masks together.
• 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).
• Infection transmission risk is much lower in outdoor areas, as virus particles get quickly dispersed.
• Potential for transmission lowers if the ventilation is adequate.
• Avoid placing fans in a way that could potentially cause contaminated air to flow directly to someone else. 
• Installing an exhaust fan is important. Keep exhaust fans running if the windows and doors                     are shut.
• In workspaces avoid ACs while keeping windows and doors shut as it traps infected air inside the room. 
• Keep windows and doors ajar while the ACs are running to bring in clean air and dilute virus particles.