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(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Preventing virus spread within households could be key to controlling new outbreaks of COVID-19

[November-2020]

More spreading within households are a vital part of preventing a second wave of COVID-19, say effective measures to prevent infection researchers at the Universities of Warwick and Birmingham.

Effective isolation of the family member first showing symptoms of the virus.
Wearing of facemasks within quarantined households, ideally as soon as the infection is suspected or confirmed.
A renewed emphasis on personal hygiene, including cleaning and disinfecting shared toilets, door handles and other common spaces.
Staggering meal times in households where the infection is suspected or confirmed.
The team also recommends the use of special isolation facilities for those who are unable to successfully self-isolate.
This could be in field hospitals, or hotels and hostels – an approach already adopted by several European countries.
Effectiveness would depend on reliable and rapid testing measures being implemented. This would enable speedy identification of cases where isolation would be an appropriate intervention.