Chemical Engg Dept. Guides on COVID19 March 21, 2020 People all around the world are scared and anxious about the outbreak of Covid-19, and Indians are of no exception. Considering the current situation of the world, the chemical engineering department of TOMS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING is here to guide you with basic and essential safety measures to keep yourself safe.

These are some safety measures you need to take to keep yourself safe :

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and be sure that you maintain at least three feet distance with anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which is the most effective way to stay safe. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content in it.
• Stay home if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing and seek medical attention immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wearing a mask is not necessary unless you are in contact with an infected person. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does recommend that only infected people wear masks thus preventing the spread of the virus.
• Always keep in mind the instructions set out by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

HOW SOAP KILLS VIRUS ?

Soap is a common phrase for what chemists call “amphiphiles.” Which are molecules with dual nature? One end of the molecule is both attracted to water and repelled by fats and proteins whereas another side of the molecule is attracted to fats and is repelled by water. This dual-nature makes soap so effective. Let us take the example of water and oil. Oil, when poured into water, remains undissolved in it. Now try adding a bit of soap to it. You will see the magic where the oil effortlessly mixes with water. Now, lucky for us, Corona viruses are somewhat similar to this oil with bits of genetic information — encoded by RNA — surrounded by a layer of protein and fat. The soap acts on viruses much like it takes care of the oil in the water.

The side of the soap molecule which is attracted to fat and repelled by water buries its way into the virus’s fat and protein shell breaking its chemical bonds holding the virus together. This intrusion breaks the virus’s coat making it flush down the drain. Even if the soap doesn’t destroy every virus, it will help you get rid of them from your hands with soap and water. These all take a little time to happen, and that’s why we suggest you take at least 20 seconds to wash your hands.

As we know, it is the main ingredient in a hand sanitizer, can destroy viruses, too. Sanitizers work in a similar way, where the alcohol molecules are somewhat amphiphiles but the concentration of alcohol must be high. Don’t panic and more importantly don’t cause panic. Your actions cause people around you. Efforts are being made all over the world, but be sure that you do your part, however small it is.     DONT PANIC, STAY CALM AND TAKE PRECAUTIONS.