As of Feb 11, Beijing has had a total of 77 cluster outbreaks reported, including 70 traced back to family gatherings that have ultimately affected 214 individuals. This is according to Pang XingXing, the deputy director of Beijing’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, who addressed reporters at the 20th press briefing pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak. In total, there were 251 cluster cases.
In a bid to prevent such cluster transmission cases, Pang stressed the importance of families in quarantine taking precautions. Pang advises families to ventilate shared spaces, doing so for no less than 30 minutes three times a day. Pang also advised taking note of the air quality while ventilating such spaces, and for individuals to ensure that they keep warm.
Some of the other infection prevention strategies include:
- Maintaining personal hygiene by changing bed linens and washing one’s hands often.
- Disinfecting household surfaces and devices which are more likely to come into contact with the virus pathogens. These include door handles, telephones, and furniture. A disinfectant solution of 75 percent alcohol is recommended.
- Refrain from spitting.
- When crowded public spaces cannot be avoided, one is advised to wear a face mask.
Pang also stressed the need to pay close attention to the health of the young, old, and those with underlying medical conditions, as they are more susceptible to the virus. He also encouraged those who are returning to Beijing from their hometowns to comply with precautions set forth, including updating one’s community, registration information, following recommended self-quarantine procedures, monitoring body temperature on a daily basis, and trying to refrain from coming into contact with others during the quarantine period.
Photos: Haaretz, upi.com, wsj.com
