Facts about COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease.

Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’

The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include loss of taste and sense of smell, fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or significant breathing difficulties. For the vulnerable, elderly and in some cases, the disease can be fatal.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common. Testing is required to confirm if someone has or has had COVID-19.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth).

The COVID-19 virus may survive on some surfaces for several hours and sometimes days, however, we know that on surfaces made with copper and copper alloys, such as the Cu Shield series of locks viruses and bacteria survive for less than four hours.

Who is most at risk for COVID-19?

Older people, and vulnerable people with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, appear to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected with the virus, but so far there are relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children. This is a new virus for us to contend with and we need to learn more about how it affects children. The virus can be fatal in rare cases, so far mainly among older people with pre-existing medical conditions.

How can the spread of COVID-19 be slowed down or prevented?

As with other respiratory infections like the flu or the common cold, public health measures are critical to slow the spread of illnesses such as:

• staying home when sick;
• covering mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Disposing of used tissues immediately;
• washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and
• cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects.

While COVID-19 continues to spread it is important that communities take action to prevent further transmission, reduce the impacts of the outbreak and support control measures.

COVID-19 prevention and control in schools and educational facilities

The protection of children and educational facilities from the impact of COVID-19 is very important. Although we are still learning about how COVID-19 affects children, precautions are necessary to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in school and educational settings.

As schools and educational facilities reopen, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched by many people, such as door locks and handles will become vital in the fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 prevention and control in hospitals, medical and healthcare facilities

The protection of the sick, vulnerable and elderly in hospitals, medical and healthcare facilities from the impact of COVID-19 and mutating viruses is vital. Because of the sheer number of people who use these premises, even enhanced cleaning protocols alone will not prevent the spread of viruses and pathogens.

To keep these vital facilities open, cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces that are likely to be handled by many people, such as door locks and handles will become vital in the fight against COVID-19.

Cu-Shield – the use of copper in the fight against COVID-19

The use of copper and copper alloys is widely recognised for infection control. It has proven rapid kill mechanisms against bacteria and pathogens as its natural antimicrobial properties add a layer of protection to improve safety for the public, students and staff alike.

Copper metals are recommended for high-risk touch-surface items where bacteria could be rapidly spread in settings with a large traffic of people or where people are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Copper reduces the COVID-19 active life cycle to approximately 4 hours when left untreated, compared to its survival of days on other popular metallic door hardware materials. That’s why we at Borg Locks created the Cu-Shield made from a minimum 60% copper content alloy for our series of digital code locks.

By using the Cu-Shield over existing digital push button locks, or replacing them entirely with a new Cu-Shield lock, schools can move towards ensuring the safety of students, teachers and staff and prevent the spread of this disease in between existing cleaning protocols.

The Cu-Shield locks are made from a highly distinguishable copper alloy and when in situ, can also help diminish public and staff fears and anxieties around the disease.

To buy the Cu-Shield for your facility or business, click here.

More information about COVID-19

We urge you to stay informed about COVID-19 through reputable sources such as WHO, UNICEF and national health ministry advisories. We are learning more about this disease every day and it is important that you distinguish real facts from any fake information that may be circulating online or by word of mouth.