Essential information on COVID-19

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, we strive to protect our customers with the most effective disinfection products, personal protective equipment and inform them with quality, approved information. Learn about our products, their efficacy and world's protective measures to stay up to date and prevent infections.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is the name for the novel disease caused by the coronavirus first described in late 2019. The name comes from (COronaVIrus Disease 2019). Symptoms caused by coronavirus are very similar to the common flu symptoms. However, they are likely to escalate to a severe pneumonia of which people can die of in a short period of time. The disease can't be treated with antibiotics as it is caused by a virus, which is why prevention and using quality disinfecting products is emphasised.

How does the coronavirus spread?

According to available evidence, SARS-CoV-2 mainly spreads between people when an infected person is in close contact with another person. Transmissibility of the virus depends on the amount of viable virus being shed and expelled by a person, the type of contact they have with others, the setting and what IPC measures are in place. The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when the person coughs, sneezes, sings, breathes heavily or talks. These liquid particles are different sizes, ranging from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. Close-range contact (typically within 1 metre) can result in inhalation of, or inoculation with, the virus through the mouth, nose or eyes.

Knowledge about transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving continuously as new evidence accumulates. COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, and the clinical spectrum can range from no symptoms to severe acute respiratory illness, sepsis with organ dysfunction and death.

There is limited evidence of transmission through fomites (objects or materials that may be contaminated with viable virus, such as utensils and furniture or in health care settings a stethoscope or thermometer) in the immediate environment around the infected person.
Nonetheless, fomites transmission is considered a possible mode of transmission for SARS-CoV-2, given consistent finding of environmental contamination in the vicinity of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the fact that other coronaviruses and respiratory viruses can be transmitted this way.

Aerosol transmission - can occur in specific situations in which procedures that generate aerosols are performed. The scientific community has been actively researching whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus might also spread through aerosol transmission in the absence of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). Some studies that performed air sampling in clinical settings where AGPs were not performed found virus RNA, but others did not. The presence of viral RNA is not the same as replication- and infection-competent (viable) virus that could be transmissible and capable of sufficient inoculum to initiate invasive infection. A limited number of studies have isolated viable SARS-CoV-2 from air samples in the vicinity of COVID-19 patients.

Outside of medical facilities, in addition to droplet and fomites transmission, aerosol transmission can occur in specific settings and circumstances, particularly in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces, where infected persons spend long periods of time with others. Studies have suggested these can include restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices and places of worship.

High quality research is required to address the knowledge gaps related to modes of transmission, infectious dose and settings in which transmission can be amplified. Currently, studies are underway to better understand the conditions in which aerosol transmission or super-spreading events may occur.

Current evidence suggests that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 can transmit the virus whether they have symptoms or not. However, data from viral shedding studies suggest that infected individuals have highest viral loads just before or around the time they develop symptoms and during the first 5-7 days of illness. Among symptomatic patients, the duration of infectious virus shedding has been estimated at 8 days from the onset of symptoms for patients with mild disease, and longer for severely ill patients. The period of infectiousness is shorter than the duration of detectable RNA shedding, which can last many weeks.

The incubation period for COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, but can be as long as 14 days.

Pre-symptomatic transmission - transmission from people who are infected and shedding virus but have not yet developed symptoms can occur. Available data suggest that some people who have been exposed to the virus can test positive for SARS-CoV-2 via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing 1-3 days before they develop symptoms. People who develop symptoms appear to have high viral loads on or just prior to the day of symptom onset, relative to later on in their infection.

Asymptomatic transmission - transmission from people infected with SARS-CoV-2 who never develop symptoms can occur. One systematic review of 79 studies found that 20% (17-25%) of people remained asymptomatic throughout the course of infection. Another systematic review, which included 13 studies considered to be at low risk of bias, estimated that 17% of cases remain asymptomatic (14%-20%). Viable virus has been isolated from specimens of pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, suggesting that people who do not have symptoms may be able to transmit the virus to others.

Studies suggest that asymptomatically infected individuals are less likely to transmit the virus than those who develop symptoms. A systematic review concluded that individuals who are asymptomatic are responsible for transmitting fewer infections than symptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases. One meta-analysis estimated that there is a 42% lower relative risk of asymptomatic transmission compared to symptomatic transmission.

source:
A Coordinated Global Research Roadmap. 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/a-coordinated-global-research-roadmap

What to do if you feel unwell

Know the full range of symptoms of COVID-19.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- fever
- dry cough
- tiredness.

Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include loss of taste or smell, aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, diarrhea, or a skin rash.Stay home and self-isolate even if you have minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Call your health care provider or hotline for advice. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house or have someone near you, wear a medical mask to avoid infecting others.

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Call by telephone first, if you can and follow the directions of your local health authority.

Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities. Local and national authorities and public health units are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

15 Facts about the coronavirus

Fact 1: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria

The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Some people who become ill with COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as a complication. In this case, antibiotics may be recommended by a health care provider.

There is currently no licensed medication to cure COVID-19. If you have symptoms, call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline for assistance.

Fact 2: The prolonged use of medical masks* when properly worn, DOES NOT cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency

The prolonged use of medical masks can be uncomfortable. However, it does not lead to CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally. Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.

Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are flat or pleated; they are affixed to the head with straps or have ear loops.

Fact 3: Most people who get COVID-19 recover from it

Most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover thanks to supportive care. If you have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing seek medical care early - call your health facility by telephone first. If you have fever and live in an area with malaria or dengue seek medical care immediately.

Fact 4: COVID-19 is NOT transmitted through houseflies or mosquitoes

To date, there is no evidence or information to suggest that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through houseflies. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. To protect yourself, keep at least 1-meter distance from others and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.

Fact 5: Spraying and introducing bleach or another harmful disinfectant into your body WILL NOT protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous

Do not under any circumstance spray or introduce bleach or any other harmful disinfectant into your body. These substances can be poisonous if ingested and cause irritation and damage to your skin and eyes.

Bleach and disinfectant should be used carefully to disinfect surfaces only. Remember to keep chlorine (bleach) and other disinfectants out of reach of children.

Fact 6: Drinking methanol, ethanol or bleach DOES NOT prevent or cure COVID-19 and can be extremely dangerous

Methanol, ethanol, and bleach are poisons. Drinking them can lead to disability and death. Methanol, ethanol, and bleach are sometimes used in cleaning products to kill the virus on surfaces – however you should never drink them. They will not kill the virus in your body, and they will harm your internal organs.

Fact 7: Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25 °C DOES NOT protect you from COVID-19

You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Fact 8: Catching COVID-19 DOES NOT mean you will have it for life

Most of the people who catch COVID-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – but call your health facility by telephone first. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Fact 9: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the COVID-19 virus

There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5 °C to 37 °C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.

Fact 10: Vaccines against pneumonia DO NOT protect against the COVID-19 virus

Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and WHO is supporting their efforts.

Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.

Fact 11: Rinsing your nose with saline does NOT prevent COVID-19

There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.

There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.

Fact 12: People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19 virus

Older and younger people can be infected by the COVID-19 virus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus and have a higher risk of death if not under adequate medical care.

Fact 13: Antibiotics CANNOT prevent or treat COVID-19

Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses.

COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and therefore antibiotics should not be used for prevention or treatment.

However, if you are hospitalized for COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Fact 14: Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from COVID-19

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are dry cough, tiredness and fever. Some people may develop more severe forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test.

Fact 15: Studies show hydroxychloroquine does not have clinical benefits in treating COVID-19

Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, a treatment for malaria, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, has been under study as a possible treatment for COVID-19. Current data shows that this drug does not reduce deaths among hospitalised COVID-19 patients, nor help people with moderate disease.* The use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine is accepted as generally safe for patients with malaria and autoimmune diseases, but its use where not indicated and without medical supervision can cause serious side effects and should be avoided.
More decisive research is needed to assess its value in patients with mild disease or as pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis in patients exposed to COVID-19.

Overview / The COVID-19 and world’s recovery

For many people around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most destabilizing experiences of their lives. Within just months of discovering the SARS- CoV-2 virus, millions of people were infected and nearly everyone was affected by lock- downs, travel restrictions, and the resulting economic decline, social change and fear. The COVID-19 pandemic is both a biological and social phenomenon that has reminded the world, once again, that the well-being

of people, populations and the planet are intertwined.

COUNTRY-LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

HEALTH SYSTEMS AND SERVICES

- Support the maintenance of essential health services and systems during and following the pandemic by prioritizing services, shifting service delivery, and actively managing health workforce, supplies and data;

- Reduce financial barriers to essential services and accelerate access to emerging technologies such as diagnostics, vaccines and treatments; and

Focus on the most vulnerable by ensuring the continuity of services in fragile settings and supporting efforts to reach marginalized populations.

SOCIAL PROTECTION AND BASIC SERVICES

Scale up and expand social protection systems, with a focus on pro-poor policies;

Maintain essential food and nutrition services, particularly

for infants and young children, women, and other marginalized populations, including those living with HIV/AIDS;

Ensure continuity and quality of water and sanitation services through close collaboration with national and local authorities;

Secure sustained learning for all children and adolescents, preferably in schools;

Support the continuity of social services and access to shelters; and

Implement measures to address gender-based violence.

ECONOMIC RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

Safeguard food supply chains throughout the crisis;

Introduce fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate the economy and employment overall; sectoral policies to counteract the negative effects of lockdowns, international trade contractions, and global supply chain disruptions; and investments in the

care economy, where women represent three quarters of total employment globally;

Provide immediate financial support for small- and medium- sized enterprises and those who are self-employed or informally employed; and

Protect vulnerable workers.

MACROECONOMIC POLICIES AND MULTILATERAL COLLABORATION

Carefully assess the scope and scale of the economic impact and the needed increase in expenditure;

Roll out large-scale fiscal measures, supported by targeted monetary easing, with a special focus on marginalized populations;

Analyze key implications and trade-offs of proposed policy measures to ensure that the desired impacts are sustained over time without causing economic and social instability and environmental degradation;

Address debt in developing economies;

Prioritize regional cooperation on trade policy to coordinate and harmonize measures that impact supply chains and connectivity;

Strengthen monetary coordination and financial stability through regional efforts; and

Promote cooperation to strengthen environmental resilience.

SOCIAL COHESION AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Foster inclusive social dialogue, advocacy and political engagement;

Empower community resilience, participation and equitable service delivery; and

Support good governance, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/pdfs/UNCOVID19ResearchRoadmap.pdf,
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/a-coordinated-global-research-roadmap
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/patient-management

Do not organize or visit larger private meetings with people from several households - whether in your own home or in someone else's home.

These include birthday parties, game dates for

children or movie nights. This way you can prevent

further spread of contamination.

In individual federal states there are exceptions to this rule if you have to attend a wedding or a funeral.

1

Ventilate all common rooms regularly and

avoid contact such as shaking hands or hugs.

2

Stay at home as often as possible. Restrict

personal encounters, especially

with elderly or chronically ill people to your and their protection. Instead, communicate by phone, email and video calls.

If someone in your household is sick arrange special space for them enabling separation and sufficient distance from the rest of the household.

3

If you develop symptoms that indicate an infection with coronavirus yourself,

you should stay at home,

get your house doctor's advice over the phone if necessary and schedule a coronavirus test appointment.

In coordination with your employer, try to work from home as much as possible.

When at work, do not share workplaces or objects such as keyboards or tools with others.

If this is not possible, clean and disinfect your workplace thoroughly. In particular when leaving or starting work.

Organize your workflow in a way you can avoid direct with your colleagues, even during breaks.