A Filipino medical expert based in the UAE explained why the minimum requirement for social distancing against coronavirus disease is two meters.
In The Filipino Times’ live streaming on Facebook titled “TFT Usapang OFW: Alagang Pangkalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19”, doctors reminded UAE-based OFWs to observe social distancing especially when going out.
According to Dr. Aileen Villanueva General Practitioner in Mediclinic Abu Dhabi and The Filipino Times Awards 2018 Healthcare Professional of the Year, experts recommend at least two meters because according to studies, the droplets of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are heavy—meaning, they easily drop on the surfaces within two meters or less.
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“According to studies, COVID-19 is composed or large particles, so mabigat siya kaya heavy particles ang nilalabas nito through cough and sneeze. Madali siyang babagsak at hindi siya nakakadating ng malayo,” she said.
She added people should also be mindful of the surfaces because the SARS-CoV-2 easily clings on these areas, since the droplets of the virus are heavy.
“Medyo delikado kapag na-touch o nahawakan mo ang surfaces kaya dapat mayroon kang protection lagi. For slippers, huwag mo ipapasok sa bahay ang ginagamit mong panlabas. Importante na lagi kang may hawak na sanitizer,” Villanueva noted.
She also added that because the virus is still new, there are still a lot yet to be studied, so the best thing people should do is to take all the necessary precautions.
“Hindi lahat alam pa natin kasi under study pa din ang virus kaya dapat gawin natin ang lahat para mag-ingat,” added the doctor.
“TFT Usapang OFW: Alagang Pangkalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19”, held on August 7, aimed to help Filipinos make more informed decisions about their health and be more knowledgeable about the changes and improvements in the UAE’s healthcare industry.
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WATCH THE ENTIRE WEBINAR SESSION HERE:
