Protect yourself from Covid-19 with water, soap and disinfectant

Covid-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It is highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person and quickly infecting many. Once inside the body, it targets the lungs and triggers an inflammatory cascade.

Another risk is that many infected people show no symptoms, meaning they can unknowingly spread the virus.

Outside the body, the virus is easily destroyed. It can survive from a few hours to several days, but water and soap are enough to eliminate it. For extra safety, bleach or ethanol (alcohol) can also be used.

The virus does not float in the air; it travels via droplets expelled when talking, coughing, or sneezing. These droplets are heavy enough to fall quickly onto surfaces.

Therefore, authorities have recommended from the beginning:

• Wash hands and clean surfaces frequently.
• Pay special attention to high-touch areas: handles, phones, shopping carts, etc.
• Maintain 1.5–2 meters of physical distance.
• Ventilate enclosed spaces regularly.

Air disinfection in indoor spaces is not recommended. It may be done for image or reassurance, but it does not replace proper cleaning and ventilation.

At Atēnia, we recommend avoiding the expense of air disinfection, especially during times of financial pressure. Instead, focus on:

• Surface cleaning.
• Supporting remote work.
• Preparing a contingency plan for returning to the workplace.