Cover Media
Opening windows throughout the day is the U.K. government's latest advice in
the battle against Covid-19.
As the pandemic rages on, and England is still in a national lockdown, the
government has added to the 'hands, face, space' campaign, encouraging the
public to regularly wash their hands, wear a mask and keep their distance
from others, by detailing how letting fresh air in can help expel
coronavirus particles.
In a new video, GP Dr Amir Khan explains why it's so important to keep
windows open.
"Letting fresh air into enclosed spaces regularly throughout the day will
also reduce the spread of the virus. Particularly important in the winter
when we spend more time indoors," he says.
"Coronavirus is spread through the air through large droplets and smaller
particles that come out of the nose and mouth of an infected person as they
breathe. Coronavirus droplets are heavier, so fall out of the air quickly.
But lighter coronavirus particles float in the air. They can linger in a
room or any enclosed space, and other people can breathe them in, becoming
infected."
By opening windows regularly throughout the day, infected particles can be
removed which means others can't breathe them in.
This is particularly important if you have visitors in your home - not just
friends or family, but anyone doing work on your house.
"Make sure you open a window before, during and for a while after their
visit. Keep the visit as short as possible too, and make space," Dr Khan
instructs.
And don't be afraid of losing too much heat through the winter months,
because you can let fresh air in with minimal heat loss.
"You can leave a small window open continuously throughout the day, or open
it for short, sharp bursts 10-15 minutes every couple of hours," says Dr
Khan. "Also using extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens more frequently
will remove particles more quickly.
"If every single one of us keeps doing our bit we really can keep
coronavirus at bay."
