There are a lot of myths about COVID. When you understand what it is, you’ll realise what hygiene and cleaning steps will work - and what won’t.

Here’s what you need to know about COVID

COVID Facts and tips to keep you healthy

1. The virus is not a living organism.

The virus is not a living organism like bacteria. It’s a protein molecule that cannot be killed. It has to decay on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies. Antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

 Tip: No bactericide or antibiotic will kill COVID

2. The virus is very fragile

The only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat - soap or detergent are the best weapon. The foam cuts the fat (that is why you have to scrub for 20 seconds or more, to create lots of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down. Heat melts fat. Hot water makes more foam, making it more effective.

Tips:

• Use soap or detergent.
• Use water above 77 degrees for hand washing, laundry and cleaning surfaces.
• Use an approved disinfection product and allow to dry to avoid ignition from naked flames or static.

3. Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% dissolves all fat

Especially the external lipid layer of the virus. Oxygenated water increases the effectiveness of soap, alcohol and chlorine - peroxide dissolves the virus protein. But its pure form can damage your skin.

 Tips:

• For some surfaces, create a solution with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water. This directly dissolves the protein, breaking it down from the inside.
• Use oxygenated water with care - use gloves.

 4. The virus molecules remain very stable at colder temperatures

Including air conditioning in houses and cars. They also need moisture and darkness to stay stable:

Tip: Dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade the virus faster.

5. About UV light

Used on any object that may contain the virus will break down the protein.  Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

Tip: Use UV Light with care.

6. Myths busted

Vinegar, spirits or vodka are not useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat. The strongest vodka is only 40% alcohol, and you need a minimum of 65%.

 Tip: LISTERINE is 65% alcohol

7. Concentration of the virus

The more confined the space, the higher the concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

 Tip: Gather people in open, ventilated spaces.

8. The virus cannot go through healthy skin

Hand hygiene tips:

• Wash your hands before and after touching any commonly used surfaces such as: mucosa (mouth area), food, locks, knobs, switches, remotes, cell phones, watches, computers, desks, bathroom taps and doors.
• Moisturise your hands with thick moisturiser: to combat frequent washing. Dry, cracked hands give molecules a place to hide.
• Keep your nails short: avoid giving the virus a place to hide.

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