Coronavirus: Handwashing and Social Distancing

Let’s take a look at some of the main points with regard to the Coronavirus outbreak in Austria.

You can help reduce the spread of the virus with some simple, but very effective measures.

1. Wash your hands - regularly and properly!

Soap and water are very effective at destroying the virus. Wash your hands several times a day for 30 seconds and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Avoid hand dryers that blow hot air. Moisturiser is good too, it helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

2. Try not to touch your face

It’s a hard habit to kick, but even if you don’t manage to avoid it completely, try to reduce face touching. You could also try occupying your hands with a stress ball or crossing your arms. With time, you’ll become more aware of the urge to touch your face and can work to suppress it.

3. Reduce social activities

The government has banned outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people and indoor gatherings of a hundred people or more, which will affect things like concerts, theatre productions, as well as cinemas, clubs and bars. Restaurants and other businesses that mainly sell food are exempt from the 100-people-rule.

The situation in Austria is currently described as being under control. This means that in almost all situations, cases can be traced back to the source of the infection and subsequently the environment of those who have Covid-19, as the illness caused by the new virus is called, can be tested and quarantined.

Listen to virologist Tim Skern of the MedUni Vienna explain the science of the importance of hand-washing on FM4’s Reality Check:

So why are these measures important?

The answer from experts is clear: the aim is to slow down the spread of infections as much as possible, and to protect those who are most vulnerable, in other words older people and those who are already ill or who have a compromised immune system.

You can find information in English at the Austrian Health Ministry’s website.