Limit the Impact of the Pandemic.

Could Fomite Transmission be a leading cause of the high numbers of Covid 19 infections in Kenya? There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on what is currently known about COVID-19, spread from person to person of this virus happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, the transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented but the CDC states that this plays a key role in transmission. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

Fomite transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through objects and surfaces, like doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, toys, tables, etc. Current evidence suggests that Covid 19 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. According to CDC indirect contact from a contaminated surface remains a potential risk for catching and transmitting Covid 19.

Based on Data from Lab Studies on Covid 19 and what we know about similar respiratory diseases it may be possible that a person can contract Covid 19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. So does this mean one can contract Covid 19 by touching a doorknob? the answer is Yes. Past studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like daycare centers, offices, banking halls, ATM booths, eateries, restaurants, public transport, hospitals, etc.

When an infected person coughs or sneezes on their hands. Some of the droplets may splash onto a nearby surface, or the person spreads the germs by touching a faucet or countertop before washing his hands. Studies show that coronavirus can last up to three days on plastic and steel. Next, you have to come along and touch the contaminated surface, pick up enough viable viruses on your hands, and then touch your eyes, nose, mouth. If all goes well for the virus, you will get sick.

There’s a long chain of events that would need to happen for someone to become infected through contact. The last step in that causal chain is touching your eyes, nose, mouth with your contaminated hand.

 An outbreak associated with a shopping mall in Wenzhou, China, may have been fueled by fomite transmission. In January, seven workers who shared an office in a shopping mall became ill when one of their co-workers returned from Wuhan. The mall was closed, and public health officials tracked two dozen more sick people, including several women who had shopped at the mall, as well as their friends. None of them had come into contact with the original sick office workers.

The researchers speculated that a women’s restroom or the mall elevators had been the source of transmission. Other studies have used invisible fluorescent tracers — fake germs that glow under black light — to track how germs are spread from surfaces. The findings are unnerving. In one series of experiments, 86 percent of workers were contaminated when spray or powder tracers were put on commonly touched objects in an office. When tracer powder was put on a bathroom faucet and exit doorknob, the glowing residue was found on employees’ hands, faces, phones, and hair.

From a shared phone, the tracer spread to desktop surfaces, drinking cups, keyboards, pens, and doorknobs. A contaminated copy machine button added a trail of fluorescent fingerprints transferred to documents and computer equipment. And just 20 minutes after arriving home from the office, the fake germs were found on backpacks, keys, and purses, and home doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and kitchen appliances.

Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but removing them, lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting refers to using chemicals such as approved disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but killing germs on a surface after cleaning, can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection is an important part of every business that has customers walking in and out. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed if you use the right products. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important. Examples of frequently touched surfaces and objects that will need routine disinfection following reopening are tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks, touch screens, and ATM machines.

Every business or organization is unique in its own way hence as Duka Ni Yetu we are helping you to easily and effectively adopt various innovations to curb the spread of Covid 19 hence Staying and keeping Safe.

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