(Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

WASH YOUR HANDS

Low risk here, but prioritize hand-washing over facemasks to prevent spread of coronavirus: experts

Jan 29, 2020 | 5:22 PM

KAMLOOPS — Since coronavirus spread from the area in China where it was first detected, many people in Canada have been taking steps to avoid contracting the virus.

The risk of getting coronavirus in Kamloops is considered low. However, some businesses have noticed a growing interest from customers looking for masks. Brent Volkaert handles sales and service at Nutech Safety in Kamloops, and says inquiries about the masks have noticeably picked up.

“Last couple of months it’s been a little slow on that front, but lately in the last couple of weeks since the news has been reporting it, it has increased for sure.”

As of Wednesday, there is only one presumptive case of coronavirus in BC. Volkaert says the mask purchases are probably out of an abundance of caution, and are just part of the preventative measures people can take.

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“I wasn’t really surprised,” he says. “Like I said, people are just trying to be safe and I can’t blame them for that. It will probably slow down once it calms down and smoothes over. Right now we’re just happy to help if anyone needs anything. We do have them in stock.”

Novel coronavirus is spread through droplets from an infected person that eventually make their way into the lungs of someone else. If someone who is sick wears a masks, it can stop large drops from getting on others when they cough.

However, for people who aren’t sick, BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, says the masks are not the ultimate defense.

“The masks, they may give you a false sense of security.”

Along with covering up any sneezing or coughing, and avoiding others who may be sick, health experts say frequent hand-washing is one of the more effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

“So if you’re touching something and it has droplets in it with the virus in it, as long as you clean your hands before you touch your face or your mouth, you’re not going to be at risk of getting that virus in your body,” Henry explains. “It’s not something that comes in through the skin, it needs to get into your mucus membranes and breathed into your lungs.”

Preventative measures certainly don’t hurt, however the BC Centre for Disease Control says the risk of contracting coronavirus in the province is still considered low.

“And if you are sick yourself, stay away from others, contact your health care provider ahead of time so you can be safely assessed.”