A timely reminder

The good news is that no resident in the local Sai Kung area has been confirmed Covid-19 positive for more than a week. So clearly the third wave of the pandemic in Hong Kong is fading. However our Science Correspondent thinks a timely reminder that the virus has not gone away is helpful. Here he discusses what we now know about living in a Covid-19 world, and maybe prepare us for a fourth wave.

COVID – 19 is a highly infectious airborne virus that enters the blood stream to cause damage to the bodies’ organs by starving them of oxygen carried by your blood. Therefore preventing it getting into your bloodstream is the way to stop infection.  

This virus is not a living organism; it is not alive so can’t be killed. It is a protein molecule (RNA or DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular (eyes), nasal (nose) or buccal mucosa (mouth), changes their genetic code (mutates) and converts into aggressor and multiplier cells.

• Since the virus is not a living organism, but is a protein molecule, it 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.

• The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat and that is the reason why soap or detergent is 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; this is why it is better to use warm water for hand washing, laundry, and cleaning surfaces. In addition, hot water makes more foam, making it more effective.

• Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ALL FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus. LISTERINE is 65% alcohol.

• Any solution with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaking it down from the inside.

• NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC WILL WORK because the virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

• The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

• Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the layer of fat.

• 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. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm, and bright environments will destroy the virus faster. Hot countries do better here, do not run the a/c very cold or remain in an air-conditioned shopping mall any longer than to have to.

• UV LIGHT on any object that may contain the virus breaks down the protein. Sunshine contains tons of UV which is why being outside is safer than being indoors in the Tropics. Eat or drink n outside restaurants at least 1 metre away from anyone you don’t know. 

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

• You have to 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, etc. and don’t forget when you use the bathroom.

• You have to MOISTURIZE YOUR HANDS due to frequent washing.  Dry hands have cracks and the molecules can hide in the micro-cracks The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

• Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

So wipe down all door knobs, handles and top surfaces tables sideboards etc, with a cloth soaked in 1 part bleach and 5 parts water from now on every morning and evening and when anyone has been outside. Remember when you leave the house take a mask, visor, hand wipes, alcohol bottle and keep 1 m apart from everyone else. Wipe your hands after being in the shops with alcohol wipes and wash for 20 seconds with liquid soap until it foams first thing when home. Then wipe down all doorknobs and anything else you have touched. Simple really.

Additional details here