Covid-19: Thinking Aloud On Easter Sunday

~ beetleypete

A Virus is NOT Bacteria.

Hard to think about much else these days, though I am trying my best, with some reblogs and short-story fiction.

When the panic-buying started, some of the many things to disappear from the shops – alongside toilet paper – were the Antibacterial sprays used for cleaning surfaces. The shelves were empty of them, including the brand leader that claims to kill “99.9% of all known germs”.

Last time I went to the supermarket, a young man was handing out the trolleys inside the entrance, after first spraying some antibacterial spray onto a cloth that he gave each shopper to use to clean the trolley handles before they entered the aisles. I used it as instructed, then threw the cloth into the bin provided. But I felt the need to advise him of something before I began shopping.

“Thanks, but this is a virus, not bacteria or a germ. Antibacterial sprays will not kill this virus, anymore than they will kill the ‘Flu virus, or the common cold. If they did, nobody would ever need to catch the ‘Flu, or a cold. Just so you know”.

He looked at me as if I had slapped him around the face.

“Sorry sir, but I just do as I am told. If you don’t wipe down the handles, you can’t be allowed in to go shopping”. I felt sorry for him, as he couldn’t have been much older than 17. I pointed through the window to the car park, where people were returning trolleys to the small sheds, and others taking them and walking across to the front of the shop, pushing them. “Too late for them. They have already touched a trolley used by someone else, before you tell them they have to wipe the handles with one of your cloths. See what I mean?”

He didn’t. “Please move on, sir, there are people behind you”.

**Please remember** This is NOT a bacterial infection, it is a viral infection. Antbacterial sprays are good for keeping surfaces clean, and smell nice too. But they will NOT kill off the Covid-19 virus.

You need something with either a high concentration of alcohol, or something that is very soapy. Like washing-up liquid, or liquid hand soap.

Please stay safe.

52 thoughts on “Covid-19: Thinking Aloud On Easter Sunday”

  4. Very true. Here, at least in some supermarkets, they have the high percentage alcohol gels on display that they make you use, and gloves, but they insist on you wiping up the trolleys. But I must say the advice can be confusing even when you have some knowledge, and there isn’t much agreement on things like masks (after telling us for weeks that they didn’t help, now it seems they will insist people wear them and will go distributing them to everybody). Where will they get them from, is another matter.
    Take care and keep safe, Pete!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. The ‘basic’ masks are more or less useless after three minutes anyway. I also see people walking around wearing them over their mouth, but not covering their nose. Pointless. And the eyes should be covered too, but nobody seems too bothered about the fact they can contract the virus through their eyes.
      We need more basic information, and less scientific waffle. People just don’t understand the science. They need diagrams and photos.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  7. Even before Covid-19 hit us, people have confused viral and bacterial conditions for years. Look at how many go to the GP demanding antibiotics when they have flu – or even a cold! The companies which produce the anti-bacterial wipes and washes don’t want us to know the difference, they just want our money.

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  8. I think we all like to believe we are in control, and the act of using antibacterial sprays makes us feel like we’re doing something proactive. It’s Advertising101—feed the consumer false information so that he/she will part with their money.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. People naturally confuse bacteria and viruses. That’s understandable. But the companies should make them aware that antibacterial sprays are useless against any virus. To not do so is bordering on the criminal
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 2 people

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  9. Although we’ve been using 60% plus sanitizers, soap, and Clorox, I need to go and check our other products. One step-son suggested installing a ‘sheep dip’ for our few essential visitors. Or the old bucket of water on the door – soapy water or gut-rot alcohol.

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. The real dilemma here in Poland, where it is common for people to make moonshine, do you drink it or clean your hands with it? I guess if I set myself up outside the supermarket I could do a roaring trade in both 🙂

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      1. Indeed, reflux stills are all the rage, producing 96% alcohol which is then watered down to taste 🙂 But more seriously, the supermarkets here hand out gloves and the local shops, with less resources, are handing out the bags that you would normally use for the veg section.

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  14. I also think it should have been labelled a plague rather than a virus. People think we get virus`s all year round so probably didn’t take it as serious. Yet if you call it a plague people sit up and listen.

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    1. True, Bob. But a plague is a term once used by very ignorant people to describe anything that killed a lot of people with no known cause. We can do better, in the 21st century. At least I hope we can!
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  16. Pete you have said what I always knew. And I wondered why we were being told to use hand sanitisers. they say if it is a certain percentage of alcikhik ut jukks it. Something like 70% or somrthing. I get fed up with having this argument with my husband because it is something I knew about Nora virus and I always insisted that this hand sanitisers are only of any use with bacteria but not viruses. Every year I have the same argument with him and I just cannot get him to understand. Thus he puts us at risk all the time. We now use bleach however or Milton in water in a certain amount has given on the bottle. As my husband cleans things rather than myself because I am blind I really hope that your sister and concentration. I think I am right in saying that bleach will do it am I ha we now use bleach however or Milton in water in a certain amount as given on the bottle. As my husband cleans things rather than myself because I am blind I really hope that he uses the right concentration.I think I am right in saying that bleach will do it am I Pete?

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Yes, Lorraine you are right about bleach. Bleach works well, but hand sanitisers also work, if the alcohol concentration is at least 60%, or preferably above that. It should say so, on the container. This was mainly about ‘antibacterial’ cleaners, which have no effect on a virus. A bowl of soapy water with Fairy Liquid or similar is just as effective though.
      Stay safe, both of you.
      Best wishes, Pete. x

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      1. Thanks Pete, i see the distinction now, between sanitisers. The info can be quite confusing. I think that maybe this info should be made mire known so that the general public can understand. It is so serious that everyone should know. I am glad you made this post. We are staying safe. X

        Liked by 3 people

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          1. Yes I know, i feel that ut should be in televusionm explainingm abd in newspapers etc. Oh well…., you do what you can. Good on you x

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  17. Pete, it’s almost ironic that this deadly virus can be killed by dimply washing your hands. Your point on the wipes is so interesting because it lulls people into a false and potentially deadly sense of safety. Oh, and by the way, move along, you’re blocking the others!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, John. It doesn’t hurt to use the antibacterial stuff to keep things clean. But it must be remembered that viruses are not bacteria. A bowl of soapy water is more effective against Covid-19.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

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  21. SOMEBODY GETS IT!!!! 😍😍😍. We get antibacterial wipes whenever we step into the building after going out. Thank you, Pete. I am so happy that at least somebody understands. Take care, be safe. ❤❤✌

    Liked by 1 person

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      1. I did try to but apparently, people here are blind and deaf😒, can’t see the boards say coronaVIRUS and can’t hear me saying CORONA IS A VIRUS. 😏😒. I do use soapy water and sanitizers. I hope you are okay. Take care Petey. Stay safe❤✌😊

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