More Time At Home

Kelebogile Nondzaba looks at how to stay safe and comfortable at home during lockdown

- Kelebogile Nondzaba

Now that you find yourself spending more time at home during lockdown, this may be a good time to look at what you’re doing to stay safe and comfortable.

THE AIR THAT I BREATHE

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, says Mfundo Hadebe, Saint-Gobain sector manager. “It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. It is for that reason that the surfaces and objects in our homes need to be kept clean. But while you are likely disinfecting surfaces regularly, you might be forgetting to clean a critical part of your home: the air. Air quality can affect the surfaces and objects found in our homes.”

He says indoor air quality can affect the health, comfort and well-being of building occupants, and poor indoor air quality can easily be linked to numerous respiratory diseases. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also worth noting that viruses can linger in rooms through coughing, sneezing or even breathing. This is because the principal transmission mode of COVID-19 is by respiratory droplets, which may travel quite a distance from someone who is coughing or sneezing,” he says.