There are some things called Corona that have nothing to do with the "novel" coronavirus. What is dangerous, on the other hand, is the unchecked trust in what is currently being spread as fake news, but at best as a half-truth. The "fake news" is often enough spread even by the highest circles, mostly for their own benefit (fortunately less so in our country). We can only recommend trusting science here. Examples include the Bernhard Nocht Institute of the Leibniz Association, the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin and the Hannover Medical School (MHH). The core topics below are information on protective equipment and its availability as well as measures for a suitable hygiene regime.
Protective equipment
For you as our customers, the availability and sensible use of protective equipment are of great importance. Protective equipment often has a "dual-use" character, i.e. use in both the medical and industrial sectors.Despite high inventories, especially in protective masks, disposable protective clothing and disposable gloves, we did not expect such explosive demand. This apparently also applies to many other market participants, as the many inquiries we have shown. Even requesters who are completely unknown to us are suddenly placing orders for, for example, millions of protective masks of all types. Here, however, the only sensible thing to do is to serve customers with a constant need (and others in absolute emergency situations) preferentially. The availability of protective masks of all types is limited due to a lack of supplies from the Far East (there are only two important manufacturers in Europe). Anyone who carefully observes the users of protective masks on television will notice how often the masks are used incorrectly. An FFP3 mask only protects if it fits very tightly to the face. It protects medical staff from infection by infected patients, and mouth nose protection (MNS) is usually used completely inadequately (as MNS is completely open on the sides).
Instructions for use
Manufacturers and distributors provide the right information on how to use them. Likewise, the correct use of protective clothing is not observed. In particular, taking off overalls after working in infected or contaminated areas is problematic. There is a video on how to put on and take off overalls correctly. It is important to avoid that the protective clothing infected from the outside subsequently infects the wearer. To ensure this, a second person as a helper is absolutely necessary as well as the means and environment for decontamination. Even with disposable gloves, it is particularly important to ensure that taking them off does not lead to subsequent infection or contamination ("correct removal of disposable gloves"). Safety goggles are also part of the basic equipment, as many infections occur through the eyes. Please note: the disposal of all protective equipment must be carried out after use in accordance with the applicable guidelines.
Hygiene recommendations
These are among the priorities for effective protection. According to previous experience, the coronavirus initially settles in the upper respiratory tract and thus causes a higher risk of infection in the environment of the infected person (as a result, the frequency of infection is considerably higher than with the "classic" SARS virus 16 years ago). Even more important than hand disinfection is usually regular hand hygiene with soap and water. To avoid infection, it is important not to touch your face, eyes, mouth and nose with your hands. Droplet infection must be avoided by distance and "hygienic" coughing and sneezing.
Future prospects
There is currently no vaccination against Corona, although research is being carried out worldwide. There are some existing medications that may be suitable for reducing the viral load caused by Covid-19. Chloroquine (Resochin), which was developed as an antimalarial, should be mentioned here. However, the malaria pathogen is a parasitic single-celled organism, not a virus. However, no recommendations of any kind can be given here, as these are purely medical measures.
If you have any questions, please call us. We don't let our customers down.
As of 20.03.2020