In new guidelines on ways to stop the transmission of coronavirus, the government on Thursday said that aerosols, laden with the virus, can travel up to 10 metres in the air while droplets falls two metres from an infected person. “Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation” are the way to go to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the advisory says.

Ventilation

The guidelines highlight the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the viral load of infected air in poorly ventilated houses, offices etc. Ventilation can decrease the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other, office of Principal Scientific Adviser to government of India said, according to ANI.

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“Even one infected person showing no symptoms can release enough droplets to create a ‘viral load’ that can infect many others,” add the guidelines. Infection transmission risk, however, is very low outdoors as virus particles get quickly dispersed.

“Running ACs while keeping windows and doors shut, traps infected air inside the room, and increases risk of transmission from an infected carrier to others, it said.

Proper masks

On proper use of masks, the guidelines advise a double layer- mask or an N95 mask. For double protection one can wear a surgical mask and then a tight fitting cloth mask over it. Those who do not have a surgical mask can wear two cotton masks together.

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Ideally a 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.

Surface transmission

On surface transmission, the guidelines say that droplets emitted by an infected person land on various surfaces where they can survive for a long time. Frequent cleaning of high contact points such as door handles, light switches, tables, chairs and the floor with disinfectants like bleach and phenyl is advised.