PRESSE: Coronavirus Covid-19 Update. Mitteilung der Geschäftsführung der AAV Allgemeiner Arbeitschutz-Vertrieb GmbH

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Es gibt manches, was Corona heißt, das aber mit dem „neuartigen“ Coronavirus nichts zu tun hat. Gefährlich dagegen ist das ungeprüfte Vertrauen auf das, was derzeit als fake news, bestenfalls jedoch als Halbwahrheit verbreitet wird. Die „fake news“ werden häufig genug selbst von höchsten Kreisen, meist zum eigenen Nutzen weit verbreitet (zum Glück weniger in unserem Land). Wir können hier nur empfehlen, lieber der Wissenschaft zu vertrauen. Beispielhaft seien hier genannt das Bernhard-Nocht Institut der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, das Robert-Koch-Institut in Berlin und die Medizinische Hochschule in Hannover (MHH). Kernthemen sind nachstehend Informationen zu Schutzausrüstungen und deren Verfügbarkeit sowie Maßnahmen für ein dazu passendes 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

Dr. Hans-Jürgen Beyer, Managing Director