NEW HAVEN, Conn. — There's one Southern Connecticut State University professor, who is essentially required to keep close tabs on the coronavirus. That's because he is a consultant for the World Health Organization.
Dr. John Nwangwu, a professor of epidemiology, infectious diseases and public health says it’s normal to be nervous about the COVID-19, which is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. However, he emphasized, you also should not panic. He says we all must be proactive.
While much still is not known, Dr. John Nwangwu says one way humans can transmit COVID-19 is through the respiratory system, especially when a human is within approximately 6 feet of the infected person.
But, the virus is not airborne, meaning "into the air and then blowing around and can go as far as 2 miles and whoever is within within those 2 miles can get it," he said. "That’s different."
And, the longtime consultant for the WHO, who has worked extensively on the Ebola virus, cautions that we must be conscious of our environment.
"I would suggest avoiding unnecessary crowds," he said.
And, another word of caution.
"For those, who are suggesting that once the warm weather comes it (COVID-19) is going to blow away, I don’t think that’s the case, the native of Nigeria said.
He says frequent washing of hands or use of hand sanitizer is critical. However, not all hand sanitizers are effective.
"So you need one that has at least 60% alcohol base for it to be even useful," Nwangwu said.
And, speaking of sanitizers, Fairfield based at Atmos Air Solutions, an air purification business, is booming as the coronavirus has spread.
"It restores the air to the natural ion balance and ions are nature‘s air disinfectants," said Tony Abate, Chief Technical Officer for Atmos Air Solutions.
Some years, he says, the company leadership knew their technology largely had the ability to eliminate viruses, bacteria and germs. How thorough was their process?
"We had laboratories test this product and they proved that our product could destroy a virus to a better than 99% efficiency 10:40:19
Their systems disinfect the air continuously. "So, imagine if you will these ions are like little wipes that are constantly cleaning the surfaces and constantly cleaning the air."
The company's air purification systems are both residential and commercial. Clients include many airports, sports venues and universities.