Here are some common questions answered on what individuals can do to stay safe:
Soap and water is still the best way to clean your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Wash hands with warm or cold water. Lather soap to get it on the backs of hands, between fingers and under finger nails before rinsing off. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the time spent should be 20 seconds (or the time taken to sing the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice).
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
The hand sanitizer should be applied to one palm before rubbing the hands together. While rubbing, the gel should be spread all over the hands and fingers, covering all surfaces until completely dry.
Cleansers and wipes are effective in cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
Alcohol is effective at killing different types of microbes, including both viruses and bacteria. Coronavirus is the type of virus with an outer wrapping, called an envelope, which alcohol can kills.
Despite many DIY sites and programmes suggesting it, vodka doesn’t have enough alcohol content to effectively kill microbes.