The government has launched a new campaign to help prevent the spread of coronavirus indoors over the winter months, urging people to continue washing their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, covering their faces and observing social distancing measures to control infection rates and avoid a second wave.
The Hands. Face. Space campaign will run across print, radio, TV, out of home, social and digital display advertising, as well as on community media channels over the coming weeks, with a new video being released to help drive home the message, showing how coronavirus can spread indoors.
The film encourages people to follow simple steps to help reduce the risk of infection at a time when it’s expected that they will be spending more time at home and indoors during the colder months.
While coronavirus isn’t likely to survive for long on outdoor surfaces in sunlight, it can survive for over 24 hours in indoor environments, so hand-washing regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or making good use of hand sanitiser can reduce the risk of both catching and passing the virus on.
Wearing a face covering is also advised because the virus is carried in the air by respiratory droplets, which can land on surfaces or other people. They can also stay in the air indoors for at least five minutes, longer if there is no ventilation.
And social distancing is necessary because virus transmission is most likely to happen within two metres of an infected person. It won’t always be possible to maintain this exact distance but the campaign aims to encourage people to remain mindful of their surroundings.
Chief medical officer professor Chris Whitty said: “As we approach winter and inevitably spend more time indoors, we need the public to keep following this important advice to control the spread of the virus.
“Following these simple steps could make a significant difference in reducing the transmission of Covid-19 and help protect you and your friends, colleagues and family from the virus.”
Regular cleaning of office environments, as well as domestic properties, is certainly wise at the moment and, as winter approaches, you may want to increase your vigilance in this regard.
Remember that surface contamination is one of the main ways that the virus can spread so implementing a robust cleaning regime is certainly wise, particularly in the office where people come and go all the time. Make sure that all desks, tables, telephones, keyboards and other office equipment are wiped down with disinfectant regularly throughout the day.
You may also want to put up posters reminding people of the importance of good hygiene now and in the future to help prevent the spread of the virus as winter approaches.
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