A San Diego infectious disease official said Monday that doctors are still trying to understand the coronavirus.
The medical community has a pretty good idea of how the virus spreads.
Officials say airborne droplets tainted with the COVID-19 virus or viruses left behind on hard surfaces are the most likely pathways for transmission.
Alvarado Hospital Infectious Disease specialist Michael Butera says disinfecting surfaces can go a long way toward preventing infection.
“The pop-up wipes that one would buy at the supermarket or box store, should kill the virus on surfaces. And regular household cleaners should kill the virus on surfaces,” said. For those electronic surfaces that you can’t clean with a spray or water, the wipes are probably adequate and useful.”
The coronavirus continues to spread in Southern California despite efforts to contain transmission.
On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsome asked state residents to limit the size of public gatherings, he closed bars and nightclubs and reduced the legal capacity of restaurants to increase social distancing.
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The Governor also asked anyone 65 or older to stay at home until the situation gets better.
Part of the problem researchers have, is that they do not know exactly when an infected person becomes contagious.
“We know that there’s widespread transmission now that seems to be following a droplet and hand to face type of transmission pattern. And the real question with any new emerging respiratory spread illness is whether or not patients can effectively spread the virus before their symptomatic or when they’re minimally symptomatic.”
Many California schools are closed this week, sporting events and concerts are canceled and public gatherings of 250 people are banned in the state.
