Introduction

COVID-19 is a severe respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. As the virus has become a global pandemic, there have been widespread changes to daily life to stop the spread of the virus that at present, has no cure.

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Any treatment available is supportive, meaning it does not treat the virus specifically, but supports the body as it fights off the infection naturally.

Changes to prevent the spread of the virus have included physical and social distancing, more rigorous hygiene practices, and wearing protective facial coverings.

As the pandemic develops, advice on how to effectively utilize these preventative measures is developing, too. The current advice on all preventative measures is detailed below.

Face masks and coverings

Face masks will not prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on their own. They must be used in conjunction with other preventative measures. There are several different types of face masks available, and as such, there is different advice on how to wear, remove, and wash them safely.

Face masks are worn primarily to protect other people from the wearer, who may be asymptomatic or presymptomatic and able to pass on the virus unknowingly. It is important to understand the difference between pre- and asymptomatic people.

Presymptomatic means a person is not currently showing symptoms but will become sick and show symptoms in the future. Asymptomatic means a person is not currently showing symptoms and will never show symptoms.

Both pre- and asymptomatic people are capable of passing on SARS-CoV-2, although presymptomatic people are more likely to spread the virus. This is why facial coverings are necessary for everyone when they are in public spaces. A person cannot be entirely certain whether they are pre- or asymptomatic and unknowingly spreading the virus.

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Who should not use face masks?

Masks should not be used on children under the age of 2, or those who have trouble breathing. Masks should also not be used on those who are unconscious or unable to remove a mask without assistance.

It is not recommended to use a mask while exercising as they can lower a person’s ability to breathe. Sweat also helps bacteria to grow on the mask while it is being worn.

If you are not a healthcare worker, do not use medical face masks. Use fabric masks instead to ensure medical mask supplies are being used in healthcare facilities.

Medical masks

Medical masks should only be worn by those working in healthcare facilities and those caring for people with COVID-19 symptoms.

Before putting on a medical mask, clean the hands with alcohol hand rub or soap and water for 20 to 60 seconds. Do not use a mask that has been worn before or is damaged, and do not touch the mask while it is being worn.

To put on a medical mask, only touch the straps behind the ears. Medical masks usually have a metal strip that should be pinched when the mask is first put on to bend to the shape of your nose. This prevents any gaps in the mask that may allow infected particles to enter or leave the mouth and nose.

To take off a medical mask, clean the hands, and remove with the straps. Do not touch the front of the mask. Lean forward and pull the mask away from the face.

Dispose of medical masks as soon as they are removed into a closed bin or container. They are single-use only.

Fabric masks

Many people are making their own masks at home as medical masks should only be used by healthcare workers.

Before putting on a fabric mask, it is important to wash the hands. Do not use the mask if it is damaged or dirty, and change the mask if it becomes dirty or wet when it is being worn.

Make sure that it covers the mouth and nose, as this is where the virus can enter and exit the body. While wearing the mask, do not touch the front of the mask and adjust the mask using the straps. Do not touch the front of the mask before, while, or after wearing a mask.

After taking off the mask, wash it with hot water and soap or detergent and store the mask in a sealable bag if it needs to be worn again. Always wash your hands after putting the mask away. Do not share masks with other people.

Social and Physical Distancing

Social and physical distancing refers to the practice of maintaining a 1- to 2-meter (6 feet) distance between yourself and other people outside of your home. If a person becomes sick at home, anyone living with them must also keep 1 to 2 meters away at all times.

Distancing is important for those who are high-risk, such as the over 60s and those with existing medical conditions that could lead to serious complications if they contract COVID-19.

Using a face mask does not negate the need for social or physical distancing.

Hygiene Measures

Personal Hygiene

Regular hand washing is a key preventative measure in COVID-19. If there is no soap or water available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or rub that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Wash hands in soap and water for 20 to 30 seconds, and use hand rub for 30 to 60 seconds until they feel dry.

Avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eyes if you have not washed your hands.

Dispose of used tissues properly, and wash your hands immediately after you cough or sneeze. If you cough or sneeze around others who do not have a face mask on, cough or sneeze into the elbow, not the hands. Do not spit when coughing or sneezing.

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Cleaning Surfaces

Clean and disinfect all surfaces that are regularly touched daily.

Common types of surfaces that require regular cleaning and disinfection include:

• Tables
• Light switches
• Doorknobs and handles
• Counters
• Desks
• Faucets
• Toilets
• Phones
• Keyboards
• TV remotes.

To clean surfaces, use detergent or soap and water, and then a household disinfectant.

Symptom Monitoring

Be aware of any changes in your health.

Regularly check for symptoms of COVID-19, which include:

• Fever
• A new cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle and body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Diarrhea.

These can occur 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.

Summary

Preventative measures are most effective when they are used in conjunction with one another. Using a face mask does not mean you do not have to keep a 1- to 2-meter distance from other people, and regularly washing your hands does not mean that you should not clean and disinfect regularly touched surfaces daily.

While a person may not be showing symptoms, it is still possible for them to spread the virus, and this is why these preventative measures are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Further Reading

• All Coronavirus Disease COVID-19 Content
• What Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 are Causing Concern?
• What is the Clinical Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Patients?
• Can Pets Get COVID-19?
• An Overview of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

Written by

Lois Zoppi

Lois is a freelance copywriter based in the UK. She graduated from the University of Sussex with a BA in Media Practice, having specialized in screenwriting. She maintains a focus on anxiety disorders and depression and aims to explore other areas of mental health including dissociative disorders such as maladaptive daydreaming.