With the festive season upon us and still amidst the grip of the latest Covid-19 strain, we pass on a little advice for a Covid-free Christmas from the environmental health team at Rother District Council.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or any of the other festivals and events we mark and celebrate, this year will look and feel a little different. We don’t want Covid-19 to spoil the fun as we know how important it is to celebrate at this time of year, however, we need to make sure that we keep each other safe and feel secure, whilst doing so.
We are therefore asking you to consider the following, in support of reducing the spread of Covid-19.
Yule need to remember – Hands, face, and space.
Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer
Rudolf has a cute red nose but we’re definitely asking him to cover it up this Christmas! In fact, we all need to cover up and wear our masks in public (unless exempt). Mask wearing is the single most effective public health measure at tackling the virus, according to the first global study of its kind, which found that the measure was linked to a 53% fall in the incidence of the disease.
All I want for Christmas
Is a CO2 monitor! People breathe out CO2. If this builds up in a space it can show that ventilation needs improving. CO2 monitors don’t directly measure levels of Covid-19 but using them can help you identify poorly ventilated areas.
The amount of CO2 in the air is measured in parts per million (ppm). A consistent CO2 value below 800ppm is likely to indicate that an indoor space is well ventilated. Where there is continuous talking, singing, or high levels of physical activity indoors, keeping CO2 levels below 800ppm is recommended. CO2 levels consistently higher than 1500ppm in an occupied room indicate poor ventilation and you should take action. It is important to remember that CO2 measurements are only a broad guide to ventilation rather than ‘safe’ levels.
We’re walking in the air
Covid-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth.
Don’t stand so close to me
People who are standing closer than two metres from an infected person may get infected. If you have not been fully vaccinated the risk is much greater. Please ensure you have a negative lateral flow test before going to any parties or social events and do not go if you think you might be at risk of either being infected or if you feel unwell.
Frosty the Snowman
Get those Christmas jumpers out…as adequate ventilation reduces the amount of virus in the air. It helps reduce the risk of aerosol transmission (breathing in small particles). Ventilation is the flow of fresh air through a space. It can be natural ventilation (open doors and windows) or mechanical (fans and ducts), or a combination of the two.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful
And parties are so delightful! However, we need to manage larger Christmas parties to ensure we are keeping everyone safe and feeling comfortable to be there. Keep these notes in mind, and you won’t be self-isolating and feeling lonely this Christmas.
Merry Christmas and have a Covid-free New Year.
From Environmental Health – Rother District Council
Image Credits: Unsplash – Volodymyr Hryshchenko , RDC .