COVID-19: Epidemiology, Management and Environmental Innovations

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, and has eventually spread to the size of pandemic. This article points outs the facts of its epidemiology and management in a thoughtful, brief, palatable, revealing and innovative way. This article also discusses a few innovations which could make the environment unfriendly to SARS-CoV-2.


Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, spread globally, declared pandemic on March 11, 2020.1 Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Muscle pain, sputum production, diarrhoea, sore throat, abdominal pain, and alsoloss of smell or taste occurs.1 While the majority have mild symptoms, some progress to pneumonia and multi-organ failure. As of March 25, 2020, the overall rate of deaths per number of diagnosed cases is 4.5 percent; ranging from 0.2 percent to 15 percent according to age group and other health problems. The virus mainly spread during close contact and via respiratory droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. Respiratory droplets may be produced during breathing but the virus is not considered airborne. People may also catch COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface and then their face. It is most contagious when people are symptomatic, although spread may be possible even before symptoms appear.  Air ionisershave been used to eliminate the occurrence of airborne bacterial infections and to reduce static electricity build-up in electronics. Air ionisersare used in air purifiers to remove particles from air. Airborne particles become charged as they attract charged ions from the ioniser by electrostatic attraction. The particles in turn are then attracted to any nearby earthed (grounded) conductors, either deliberate plates within an air cleaner, or simply the nearest walls and ceilings. The frequency of nosocomial infections in British hospitals prompted the National Health Service (NHS) to research the effectiveness of anions for air purification, finding that repeated airborne acinetobacterinfections in a ward were eliminated by the installation of a negative air ioniser-the infection rate fell to zero, which was an unexpected result. Positive and negative ions produced by air conditioning systems have also been found by a manufacturer to inactivate viruses including influenza.26 The SARS epidemic fuelled the desire for personal ionisers in East Asia, including Japan (where many products have been specialised to contain negative ion generators, including toothbrushes, refrigerators, air conditioners, air cleaners, and washing machines).There are two types of ionic air purifiers, the fanless and fan base ionizers. The fan base Ionizers uses its fan to circulate air around the room rapidly but it is noisier and consumes more energy, while the fanless types distribute air slowly hence take a longer time to purify air but are noiseless and energy efficient.

Electrostatic precepitator:
An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is a filtration device that removes fine particles, like dust and smoke, from a flowing gas using the force of an induced electrostatic charge minimally impeding the flow of gases through the unit. 27 The most basic precipitator contains a row of thin vertical wires, and followed by a stack of large flat metal plates oriented vertically, with the plates typically spaced about 1 cm to 18 cm apart, depending on the application. The airstream flows horizontally through the spaces between the wires, and then passes through the stack of plates. A wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP or wet ESP) operates with water vapor saturated air streams (100% relative humidity). WESPs are commonly used to remove liquid droplets. The first portable electrostatic air filter systems for homes was marketed in 1954 by Raytheon.28. Ultra violet germicidal irradiation (UVIG) for fomites and High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) have been the other alternatives used previously for SARS, and these methods could be used in combination. 29

Balloon-in-nylon-nets droplet catcher:
This is a cheap, low technology alternative to commercial electrostatic precipitators. This can be made in any household without much effort and cost. Balloons should be snugly contained in nylon nets fixed at a low height to the floor of a bigger room of the household where bigger gathering may occur. Balloons low down will rub against the nylon, producing electrostatic charge, which will attract falling and passing droplets and droplet nuclei.
Presence of this assembly fixed to the floor will also create social distance as an added advantage. This assembly could be fixed to wheeled copper-plated flat vehicle, which could be sprayed with disinfectant and moved outside in the sun to kill the virus. 30 Greenhouse and copper plating: SARS-CoV-2 should be quite similar to SARS CoV. The main route of transmission of SARS CoV infection is presumed to be respiratory droplets. The dried virus on smooth surfaces retained its viability for over 5 days at temperatures of 22-25°C and relative humidity of 40-50%, that is, typical air-conditioned environments. However, virus viability was rapidly lost (>3 log10) at higher temperatures and higher relative humidity (e.g., 38°C, and relative humidity of >95%).31 In a greenhouse, higher temperature would not be suitable for the virus to survive long. Moreover, direct UV light from the sun will accelerate its death. Copper plated furniture and copper covered floor will also make the surfaces less friendly for the virus. 30 Imagine what would happen if all these conditions combine. Practically, it is feasible, and energy saving also, if someone lives in a house with transparent roof and many windows to minimize the risk of infections by SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion
COVID-19 pandemic have raised worldwide concern & anxiety.We should know the disease to fight it better. Modern science enables us to do so. At the same time, we should do the basics right. Besides high tech approach against the virus we should also look for a few innovations which have the least chance of tampering with the nature but as effective as ever. Doing the right thing rightly at the right time, is what is required most now. The scientists should propagate the core knowledge and instructional guideline from the discoveries they have made. This article tries to provide the core knowledge, and also encourage to innovate.

Conflict of interest:
Authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.