For the avoidance of doubt:
SARS-CoV2 transmission is mainly aerosol, some droplet - proportion varies with activity. Hence, indoors = super-spreader events, outdoors = dissipates quickly.
Well ventilated/filtered indoor spaces or outdoors, keep distance to avoid droplets, reduce
time spent in proximity to others, wear well-fitted filter masks (FFP2/3) if distancing is problematic, for long durations, and/or if prevalence is high.
Poorly ventilated/filtered indoors - masks as above are ESSENTIAL. Limit time, distance if possible to avoid direct exposure.
Now apply some logic...
Face shields do next to nothing, unless you're expecting a sneeze in the face, and even then will only prevent "direct inoculation"...
Similarly, whoever has spent the last 2.5 years making pretend force fields and castles out of Perspex with handy holes in them to pass things through, again, nice idea but primarily will prevent you experiencing direct exposure...does NOTHING to stop aerosols!
It pains me that I need to say this, but in a poorly ventilated space for any significant time (depending on the size of the room), "social", or indeed antisocial distancing will do NOTHING without a proper mask!
OK, so droplets CAN cause fomites, but sanitising our hands only prevents a minor route of SARS-CoV2 transmission.
However, much more effective for e.g. RSV, Influenza etc...but not Norovirus, soap and water required!!!
Please remember that your mask must actually be on your face, covering BOTH your nose and mouth, with a good fit and seal. FFP2/N95 or FFP3/N99 recommended. They are not chin, elbow, or neck warmers. They should be clean, dry and undamaged. This will protect you AND others.
Finally, none of these things are magic bullets. They will each partly reduce risk and work together. NPIs are variant agnostic - the virus spreads the same regardless. However, they should be used to SUPPORT vaccines. Get boosted, protect your kids. Stay safe.
#VaccinesPlus
Oh, perhaps consider these ideas in places where, say, clinically vulnerable, unwell, very young, or elderly people might spend a lot of time...for example, SMEGGING HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS AND CARE HOMES!!! Or, ideally everywhere...winter is not going to be fun at all...
#COVIDpledge
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