As relates directly to another recent post we published on the coronavirus in Singapore, the European Cleaning Journal shared a study with some simple yet very promising figures.
Namely, that better hand washing practices can decrease the spread of all disease, and in this case the coronavirus specifically, by 37%. When you’re talking about something that’s been ruled both an outbreak and an epidemic by emergency health experts, a 37% reduction from something as simple as being more diligent about washing your hands is significant.
The Society for Risk Analysis was the organization that performed this study, and their published information said the following as it relates to containing the coronavirus at airports:
If increased hand washing practices were instituted in 10 key airports there would be a significant impact on decreasing the spread of viruses. Airports are not just locations that see large volumes of passengers, they also connect travelers with destinations in all parts of the world.
http://www.europeancleaningjournal.com/magazine/articles/latest-news/better-hand-hygiene-at-top-10-airports-will-reduce-spread-of-coronavirus
Why are they talking about airports in particular?
One of the lead authors of this study, Chris Nicolaides of MIT says that airports (and airplanes themselves) are “highly infectious because they are close, confined areas with large, mobile populations.”
Areas in particular to be conscious of when traversing high-traffic public areas like airports include:
- Self-service check-in machines (particularly touch screens)
- Water fountains
- Door handles
- Seats
- Tray tables
- Gate bench armrests