COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has put many of our lives on indefinite hold. As a response to the threat, the government has advised the public to shelter in place and practice social distancing protocols. While many have been compliant, it is not entirely possible for some to completely stay at home.
Groceries and medications still have to be purchased, vital jobs still have to be carried out, and these responsibilities come with the possible threat of coming into contact with the deadly disease.
For many individuals who are tasked with these roles, a common worry that they share is whether or not they are bringing the virus into their homes through contaminated clothing or footwear. While this is not likely to occur, it is possible. Here’s what we know so far:
Virus Transmission via Clothing
Experts believe that the novel coronavirus can survive outside of a host anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days. This period of time will depend on the type of surface, as well as the surrounding environment.
Clothing, which is usually made of soft materials, is not conducive to the virus’s survival. As such, it is believed that our clothes are at low risk of transmitting the virus. This means that a typical supply run to the market, for example, should not necessitate immediate cleaning of one’s clothes upon arriving home.
Nevertheless, if you believe that your clothes have come into contact with someone else’s respiratory droplets, such as someone sneezing or coughing in your vicinity, then it’s best to wash your clothes as soon as you ger home. Any type of regular detergent will be effective in destroying the virus.
Virus Transmission via Shoes
Shoes, on the other hand, have been found to be possible carriers of the disease. A study published by the CDC suggests that the virus can live and thrive on the soles of people’s shoes, infecting floors and anything else that comes into contact.
While floors are typically considered a low-touch surface, it is better to prevent the virus from entering your home completely. You can do this by soaking a mat in a diluted bleach solution and keeping this outside your home’s entryway. Step on this mat for a few minutes every time you come back from outside your house, remove your shoes, and allow them to dry away from the rest of your home.
This will effectively sanitize your shoes and prevent the virus from infecting your home.
Conclusion
To reiterate, the novel coronavirus is usually transmitted from person to person. This means that while getting sick from contaminated clothing and footwear is far less likely to occur, it is not outside the realm of possibility.
Keep the information above in mind and try to minimize any trips you make outside of your home. The best way to stay safe during this pandemic is to practice social distancing. Not only will this help keep your family healthy, but it will also lessen the strain on an already-struggling healthcare system.
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