Coronavirus: Advice from ME organisations

Sasha said:
I'm a bit confused about how much risk there is in just walking about outside and passing other pedestrians on the pavement. I've gone into social isolation but am attempting to stop myself going nuts by at least getting out of my flat.

But am I putting myself at risk?
Click to expand...

My understanding is that the risk would be minimal if they are not coughing, you keep 3 feet away and try not to breathe just as you pass them.

I am significantly concerned about dogs since they are likely to be able to carry the virus on a wet nose and if not on a lead to tend rub up against everyone. I think it would make sense if governments introduced a requirement for dogs being on leads.
 
Jonathan Edwards said:
I am significantly concerned about dogs since they are likely to be able to carry the virus on a wet nose and if not on a lead to tend rub up against everyone. I think it would make sense if governments introduced a requirement for dogs being on leads.
Click to expand...

I have been pondering this myself. I think it may depend on the location. Our dog is walked in a rural environment and there is no need for contact with other humans. He doesn't rush up to people, just trots by.

We do occasionally get people, especially kids, wanting to say hi to him. Normally we're happy to oblige, but now.....not such a good idea.

On the rare occasions I do go out, I spend as much time petting other people's dogs. Again, this behaviour will have to change. Both for my own sake and the other owners.

Unless giving a treat to another dog I don't tend to touch their nose, though some dogs will push their noses into other people's hands. I am more concerned about the virus sitting on the fur, about the head, shoulders and back of the dog - where people are most likely to stroke them.

This will be as much of an issue for cat owners I think. Who knows where cats go, surfaces they walk on and people who pet them.
 
Just phoned my vets. The receptionist reckons they have some paperwork on it - probably just come through.

Anyway she's going to check and come back to me. I'll update you.
 
Jonathan Edwards said:
My understanding is that the risk would be minimal if they are not coughing, you keep 3 feet away and try not to breathe just as you pass them.

I am significantly concerned about dogs since they are likely to be able to carry the virus on a wet nose and if not on a lead to tend rub up against everyone. I think it would make sense if governments introduced a requirement for dogs being on leads.
Click to expand...

I've been holding my breath as people approach and until well after they've passed so I hope I'll be OK...

I wonder why people are being ordered off the streets in Spain and France? Would that be because the authorities just don't trust people to stay far enough apart?
 
A little black posting.


This maybe worth a separate section? But I don’t know how to achieve that.

But it’s probably worth considering your will? While here in uk the post office sell simple wills, the chance to put in place anything complicated has probably passed. So I have suggested to our challenged family that they put together a simple statement of their wishes and distribute it via email. At least it’s dated and likely to be from them. Wether, this would stand legal challenge is for later. But either way it’s a good stab for those who do not have anything in place in these exceptional times. Very clearly the traditional paper and uninvolved witnessed would be stronger should the worst occur. Delaying until one has fever or are incompetent would be undesirable. Plan, prepare and execute.

I have no legal experience, except to say a late parent did this statement of wish to clarify their existing will. As an executor it made my work a lot clearer and comforting that I was Certainly doing the right thing. The solicitor made no comment.
 
I had my will/patient's provision done years ago and put it in a prepared hospital bag I always have on hand, just in case.

I have no interest in getting intubated or anything and hope that will be respected. It's a grim topic but it gives me peace to have it, even if I didn't have ME. You just never know.

Edit: It has recently been discussed in this morning show with nurses - they too recommend to discuss this within families.
 
Last edited:
yME said:
But it’s probably worth considering your will? While here in uk the post office sell simple wills, the chance to put in place anything complicated has probably passed.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. I phoned my solicitor about updating my will and we're doing it by mail. Of course, I'll have to get witnesses to my signature but will do that in the open air and with us all six feet apart at any one time (a bit like that puzzle where you have to get a fox, a rabbit and a cabbage across the river in a boat with room for only two things, without the rabbit or the cabbage getting eaten).
 
Is there any dependable advice online about how exactly to clean things at home (i.e. with what products, how long to let things sit, etc.)?
 
Adrian said:
Is there a risk of picking up the virus from touching surfaces. For example, lift buttons, hand rails etc.
Click to expand...
This is information that Harvard puts out:
How long can the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 survive on surfaces?

We don't yet know how long the coronavirus can survive on surfaces such as plastic, porcelain, granite, steel, or copper. In the meantime, the CDC recommends cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects every day. These include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
Click to expand...

And this is what the WHO says:
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Click to expand...
 
yME said:
A little black posting.


This maybe worth a separate section? But I don’t know how to achieve that.

But it’s probably worth considering your will? While here in uk the post office sell simple wills, the chance to put in place anything complicated has probably passed. So I have suggested to our challenged family that they put together a simple statement of their wishes and distribute it via email. At least it’s dated and likely to be from them. Wether, this would stand legal challenge is for later. But either way it’s a good stab for those who do not have anything in place in these exceptional times. Very clearly the traditional paper and uninvolved witnessed would be stronger should the worst occur. Delaying until one has fever or are incompetent would be undesirable. Plan, prepare and execute.

I have no legal experience, except to say a late parent did this statement of wish to clarify their existing will. As an executor it made my work a lot clearer and comforting that I was Certainly doing the right thing. The solicitor made no comment.
Click to expand...
https://www.s4me.info/threads/what-me-charities-would-you-leave-a-bequest-to.11393/
https://www.s4me.info/threads/thank...o-remember-me-cfs-causes-in-their-wills.1231/
 
Jonathan Edwards said:
I am significantly concerned about dogs since they are likely to be able to carry the virus on a wet nose and if not on a lead to tend rub up against everyone.
Click to expand...

Invisible Woman said:
I am more concerned about the virus sitting on the fur, about the head, shoulders and back of the dog - where people are most likely to stroke them.
Click to expand...

Invisible Woman said:
Just phoned my vets. The receptionist reckons they have some paperwork on it - probably just come through.

Anyway she's going to check and come back to me. I'll update you.
Click to expand...

So I've just heard back from.the vets. They say the honest answer is no one really knows how long the virus can live on the fur etc. Obviously they can't easily be wiped down!

So if you are vulnerable / have extra concerns then it's best not to let others pet your animal, if it can possibly be avoided.

It might also be advisable not to stroke or touch other people's animals.

Lastly, as always, wash your hands.
 
Adrian said:
Is there a risk of picking up the virus from touching surfaces. For example, lift buttons, hand rails etc. I was assuming this was the bigger risk when going to places with people.
Click to expand...

Articles that I've read say that doctors think most transmission has been person to person.

“It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads,” the CDC says.
Click to expand...
Also, the information I've read says to keep a distance of 6 feet, not 3 feet.

But surfaces are not zero risk! So, clean your counters, wipe down your phone, wash your hands, etc.

Some articles about how long the virus can last on surfaces:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health...surfaces-for-2-3-days-heres-how-to-clean-them

https://www.washingtonpost.com/heal...54a99e-6472-11ea-845d-e35b0234b136_story.html
 
Jonathan Edwards said:
My understanding is that the risk would be minimal if they are not coughing, you keep 3 feet away and try not to breathe just as you pass them.
Click to expand...
Also, try to only go out when the sun it shining, as UV is a very effective disinfectant. And pay attention to the wind direction.

@Sasha

Mij said:
Another thing to remember when wiping down surfaces in your home, let it sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping it away.
Click to expand...
Mij said:
I use this ratio from the CDC website:

4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water in a spray bottle.
Click to expand...
A good rule of thumb I have heard is that if you can smell the bleach in the solution, it is strong enough for general disinfection. No need to overdo the strength.

Be aware that bleach (i.e. chlorine) and stainless are not a good mix. Chlorine based compounds degrade stainless quite effectively (and aren't the best for most other metals either). Other standard household disinfectants (e.g. alcohol or ammonia based) should be fine on stainless.

Keep bleach for glass and plastic.

Good old fashioned heat is also excellent at disinfecting. So any cooked food should be safe, if eaten before it cools down. (The figure I saw for coronavirus is 60ºC for 30 min. Sorry, can't find the source. Bring to a simmer for 1 minute will definitely do it.)

Also, once you have been properly isolated for a few days (including no incoming food stuff, etc), any surface virus in the house should have died off, so you probably don't need to be quite as vigilant inside the house after that initial period. Any non-urgent mail can just be left for a few days spread out on the floor in the spare room before opening. Etc. You get the idea.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom