Materials Used in Healthcare Uniforms Poses More Threat to Transmit COVID: Study

NEW DELHI: In a recent study by the De Montfort University in Leicester, it was found that the materials used in healthcare uniforms, posed a higher risk of transmitting coronavirus.

Microbiologist Dr Katie Laird, who led the study suggested that when a model coronavirus was tested on polyester, polycotton and 100% cotton it was found that droplets of the virus added to the fabrics.

Further, monitoring the stability of the virus on each material for 72 hours- results showed polyester posed the highest transmission risk, with the virus still present after three days and with the ability to transfer to other surfaces.

On 100% cotton, the virus lasted for 24 hours, while on polycotton, the virus only survived for six hours.

"If nurses and healthcare workers take their uniforms home, they could be leaving traces of the virus on other surfaces," said Dr Katie Laird.

Doing in-depth research, the study also looked at the most reliable washing method for removing the virus strain from 100% cotton fabric. Only when detergent was used and the temperature increased to above 67°C was the virus was completely eliminated.

The study found there was no risk of cross-contamination when clean items were washed with those that had traces of the virus on.

Meanwhile, health experts have warned that the pandemic is far from over, especially in view of the emerging new strains and chances of reinfection.

After a significant decline, COVID-19 cases surged again in India in the past week, recording a rise for the first time in 15 weeks amid the vaccination drive which is in its first phase.

On February 21, the number of COVID-19 cases in India crossed 11 million. The rise in cases has especially become a cause for concern in states like Kerala and Maharashtra, which have imposed fresh restrictions.

There are around 58,000 active COVID cases in Kerala. Karnataka is also taking new measures as active COVID cases in the state crossed the 6,000-mark again, with 413 persons testing positive in a day.

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