Written By: Robert E. Sheriff, MS, CIH, CSP, President
October 13, 2020
COVID EXPOSURE UPDATE – OCTOBER 13, 2020
AS TIME GOES ON, WE ARE LEARNING MORE AND MORE ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO GET SUFFICIENT COVID-19 TO CONTRACT THE DISEASE!!
- According to the CDC, a person is infectious about 2 days BEFORE showing symptoms of the disease!!
- It takes a hefty dose of the virus to contract the disease. Likely 10-15 minutes indoors within 6 feet of an infected person who has no facial protection. Outdoors it is likely 20-30 minutes.
- The potential for contracting the disease from touching a single contaminated surface is basically non-existent. Of course, if you don’t touch your face, it is non-existent. If you touch many contaminated surfaces in a day and touch your face you ARE adding to the exposure calculator. Add that exposure to close proximity to an infected person and you are increasing your chances of contracting the disease.
- You reduce the chances of contracting the disease by 80-90% by just complying with the basics—social distancing, disinfecting, wearing face coverings, don’t go where you don’t have to especially a crowded place, etc. Thereafter, anything you do will further reduce your chances of becoming infected. Some may think they are ridiculous but they all reduce the chances, https://www.atlenv.com/whats-that-smell-in-my-office
- The social distancing of 6 feet is not a guarantee you will not get infected. The smaller virus-containing droplets can carry the disease. Studies in restaurants, airlines and other indoor spaces have shown that downwind exposure beyond 6 feet can result in disease. It may require more than the 10-15 minute cumulative exposure but the time in a restaurant or airline is more than sufficient. WEAR A MASK TO GREATLY REDUCE THE RISK!!
- Very recent information indicates the potential for again contracting the disease even after you have recovered. The best suggestion is to CONTINUE TO PRACTICE THE ESSENTIAL PROTECTIONS EVEN AFTER YOU RECOVER (social distancing, disinfecting, face covering, etc.).
- After all these many months of vigilance, don’t get complacent and careless—the cost may be severe!!