Avoiding Transmission of COVID-19

          Since SARS-COV-2 Virus, the virus responsible for COVID-19 began circulating there has been a lot of research done on how to prevent transmission of the virus to others. Some preventative measures include handwashing for 30 sec with soap and water, wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers. (Shin, 2020) We should also avoid touching our face, eyes, mouth, nose etc. (Gennaro, 2020)

At 5-Star Car Wash we have been active in helping keep the cars of healthcare personnel and public service vehicles sanitized, and safe by using these recommended precautions and providing a wipe down using a 75% isopropyl alcohol-based cleaner upon request. These services can help prevent transmission to the public when someone has been in contact with the virus.

During this time, it is a good idea to keep sanitizer handy, and to use it between shopping trips, trips back and forth to work, or anytime you have someone in or out of cars. One area of concern I have come across lately though is hearing about homemade “sanitizers”. It is important to note that alcohol is only an effective sanitizer when it is between 60%-90% alcohol by volume. (Shin, 2020)

This means that sanitizers made with 75% alcohol or 151 proof ethanol (Amy, B W, 2020) and then diluted with aloe vera gel or other ingredients are likely no longer effective against this virus. It also means that most alcohols available at the store are not going to be effective against the virus. In fact, Tito’s Vodka put out an advisory that it’s product is not effective at killing SARS-COV-2. (Amy B.W) In order to maintain optimum effectiveness, the alcohol should be directly sprayed onto whatever is being disinfected,

Sources

AMY, B. W. (2020, Mar 29). How about everclear perfume? The News Press Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/2384188476?accountid=14376

Gennaro, F. D., Pizzol, D., Marotta, C., Antunes, M., Racalbuto, V., Veronese, N., & Smith, L. (2020). Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) current status and future perspectives: A narrative review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2690. doi//dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082690

Yan, Y., Shin, W. I., Yoong, X. P., Yang, M., Lai, J., You, C., . . . Cheng, H. P. (2020). The first 75 days of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak: Recent advances, prevention, and treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7), 2323. doi//dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072323