California’s COVID-19 case count is surging, renewing concerns about disinfection and viral transmission. This week, a new survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 54% of patients were unaware of how they became sick.
In response to your questions, we researched answers from experts, who are learning more as the pandemic continues. Their answers, as well as information gathered from other sources, are summarized here.
Q: Does microwaving kill the virus on my mask? What’s the best way to clean it?
A: Fire safety officials warn against using microwaves to sterilize face masks. A cloth mask might melt, char or start a fire. Disposable masks have a metal nose wire that can cause sparks and break your microwave.
Instead, the CDC recommends using a washing machine. You can include your mask with your laundry. Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting. If you wash it by hand, prepare a bleach solution by mixing one-third cup of household bleach per gallon of warm water
Make sure to completely dry cloth face covering after washing. In the dryer, use the highest heat setting. If air drying, lay flat. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “How to wash face coverings”
Q: Is it safe to swim or sail?
A: There’s little risk of COVID-19 infection while swimming in a pool, because the disinfectants used to clean water – including chlorine and bromine – kill the virus. The water in lakes and the ocean should be safe, also, since the virus is diluted by the large volume of water. Unlike bacteria, respiratory viruses don’t survive well on their own in water.
The greatest risk is not swimming, but rather time spent gathering around a pool, especially in large and clustered groups. For that reason, gathering at crowded beaches is a bad idea. Take precaution and physically distance from each other. Of course, if you’re feeling sick, stay home.
If you rent a paddle board or sailboat, keep your distance from workers, wear a mask and be sure to sanitize your hands and any shared equipment that your hands touch, like paddles, oars or a boat.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital
UCHealth in Aurora, Colorado
Q: Is liquid soap better than a bar of soap for washing hands? Can I use salt water?
A: Soap and water is the best option for handwashing. Both liquid and bar soaps contain the same elements: a fat or oil, water, and an alkali—commonly called lye. This combination rinses away dirt and oils and the germs that stick to them.
If you don’t have access to soap and clean water, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer made up of at least 60% alcohol. Saline or salt water is not recommended as an effective way to sanitize hands.
CDC: “Handwashing, Hygiene, and Diapering” and “Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings”
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