- The COVID-19 Coronoa virus is pretty large in size (about 400-500nm diameter). So any normal mask should be able to filter it out. However, when someone who’s infected sneezes in front of you, it will take a great 10 feet before it drops to the ground.
- When the virus drops on metal surface, it will live for at least 12 hours. So remember if you come in contact with any metal surface, wash your hands with soap thoroughly.
- The virus can remain active on fabric for 6-12 hours. Normal laundry detergent should kill the virus. For winter clothing that does not require daily washing, you can put it out under the sun to kill the virus.
About prevention:
- The most common way of getting infected is by touching things in public, so you must wash your hands frequently. The virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but a lot can happen in those 5-10 minutes (e.g. rub your eyes or pick your nose unwittingly)
- Aside from washing your hands frequently, you can gargle with Betadine Sore Throat Gargle to eliminate or minimize the germs while they are still in your throat (before dripping down to your lungs)
- Take extra care and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid large crowds.
What are masks good for? First, they are crucial for people who have the disease. Remember those drops of saliva? Wearing a mask if you're sick can help catch a large number of them, greatly reducing the amount of virus that gets into the environment or onto other people. Second, they help health care workers, who are constantly in close contact with lots of sick people coughing in their faces, to avoid infection. Third, they may help you avoid infection if you live with someone who has the disease or, perhaps, if you live in an area with a very high rate of disease in the community, as long as you are careful not to touch your face more because of it.