The coronavirus continues to spread. Authorities worldwide are therefore tightening measures to stop the further spread of the lung disease. But what exactly is the coronavirus and how can we protect ourselves against it?
Coronaviruses have existed since the 1960s. They can infect both humans and animals. The official name of the new coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2, and the name suggests a close relationship: it belongs to the same virus group as the well-known SARS virus. SARS means Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
The new virus causes a severe respiratory disease that can even lead to death. It is called COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019).
How is the virus transmitted?
Corona viruses are zoonotic which means the pathogen circulates in animals and mutates over time so that it eventually spreads from animals to humans. This type of transmission is also suspected in the case of SARS-CoV-2, as the origin can be traced back to the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. Live and dead animals are sold there, including fish, poultry and exotic meat.
Once the pathogen has mutated and spread to humans, it is primarily transmitted via the respiratory tract.
How do you protect yourself against transmission?
There is currently no vaccine available. You can protect yourself by following the usual tips for avoiding flu-like infections:
- Keep your distance from the sick.
- Good hand hygiene.
- Compliance with the coughing and sneezing label.
- Disinfection.
Disinfection is the basis for preventing and spreading diseases. Surfaces are always contaminated by bacteria and viruses. In times of the coronavirus it is therefore essential to use a highly effective disinfectant. Rely+On™ Virkon™ protects against a considerable number of viruses and bacteria by killing them quickly and reliably. It offers protection against:
- Coronavirus Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
- Influenza A virus.
- Hepatitis A, B and C.
- HIV.
- MRSA.
- E-coli (ESBL).
- Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- and many other bacteria, viruses and fungi.
How does Rely+On™ Virkon™ work?
Rely+On™ Virkon™ is applicable for disinfection. It is diluted into a solution and sprayed onto surfaces and equipment. It can help to reduce the risk of contamination of door handles, tables or chairs during disinfection operations in public places such as railway stations, airports, hospitals, clinics, shopping centres, etc.
To combat the epidemic in China, we have therefore donated one tonne of the disinfectant to hospitals in Wuhan and two surrounding cities. One tonne is sufficient for 100,000 litres of disinfectant solution at a ratio of 1:100.
“In independent tests Rely+On Virkon achieved inactivation of the coronavirus strain at a 1:100 dilution rate with a 10-minute contact time. This corresponds to test conditions required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and proves the performance and suitability of Rely+On Virkon for practical usesays.”
