Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 3:30 PM
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NIJMEGEN –
Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s call not to shake hands is the first signal from the government that something is really going on. That is what Andreas Voss, professor of infection prevention at Radboudumc in Nijmegen says. He even expects further measures later in the week.
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Voss is thinking of closing schools and scrapping large (sports) events. But shaking hands is still an important first step, he says.
Also see: CORONAVIRUS FILE | 31 infections in Gelderland
‘Avoid important risk moments’
‘Hands are a primary source for passing on the corona virus. It is therefore a good sign to make the population aware that they must avoid important risk moments. It is not for nothing that many hospitals and doctor’s offices have already decided that they will no longer give hands.
According to the professor, we touch our face 25 times per hour on average. Half of those times the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth are touched, which means that the virus can end up on the hands.
‘Hands are therefore a much greater source of contamination than, for example, the push bar of a shopping cart or a doorknob. In these circumstances, it is very important that everyone consciously stays off their faces and wash their hands regularly, “the professor explains.
‘Take seriously’
Voss also sees that in terms of measures, the Netherlands is two weeks behind Italy. ‘I hope and also expect more interventions, such as the cancellation of events where many people are close to each other for hours. Because we really have to take this outbreak seriously. “
The map below shows all infections in our province.
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