Evacuation shelter in case of disaster Risk of infection even near the floor New Corona 12:26 on May 13

At the time of a disaster, the risk of infection with the new coronavirus may increase even near the floor, so be careful. As a result of an experiment conducted by NHK and an expert, it was found that "flying spits" such as sneezing tend to remain near the floor, and the expert said "it is necessary to take measures such as changing the environment of the evacuation shelter where" small fish sleep "on the floor." I point out.

Under the supervision of Prof. Yoshika Sekine of Tokai University, who specializes in indoor environmental studies, NHK conducted an experiment on the effects of "flying" caused by sneezing in a room where no wind entered the room, which was used as an evacuation shelter during a disaster.

When using a special device to generate the same amount of flight as a person's sneeze, and shooting with a high-sensitivity camera, I found that it fell concentrated about 1.5 meters ahead near the floor.

Furthermore, when people walked on it, it was seen that flying particles adhering to dust and other objects were flying above the floor.

Even if you sneeze or cough nearby and the air just moves, the dust rises up to about 20 cm above the floor.

Professor Sekine said, "There are also reports that the virus stays alive for a long time, especially on hard and frictionless floors such as gymnasiums. It is also important to take measures against flying drops on the floor."

Professor Sakiko Kambara of Kochi Prefectural University, who is familiar with measures against infectious diseases at shelters, said that the risk of infection increases in the environment of "small fish sleeping" that sleeps directly on the floor of the shelter, "Keeping a distance from the floor with a simple bed such as cardboard It is effective to take measures. "

What are the points to watch out for?

What should be done to reduce the risk of new coronavirus infection in evacuation centers? We asked an expert who is familiar with improving the environment at evacuation centers to give us the points.

1. First, before entering the shelter ...

Professor Sakiko Kanbara of Kochi Prefectural University emphasizes firstly the physical condition check to prevent bringing infection sources into the shelter.

Before entering the shelter, measure your body temperature and ask if you have any symptoms such as "fever", "cough", or "strong dullness".

If there is a risk of infection, a room separate from other evacuees, for example, if the evacuation center is a gymnasium of an elementary school, it is necessary to use a classroom, etc., to secure a place exclusively for people with symptoms. There is.

2. Cardboard prevents splash infection

So what should you be careful of after entering the evacuation center?

What Professor Kamihara points out is a device to reduce the risk of flight infection due to coughing and sneezing.

<Cardboard partition>
If you cannot keep a sufficient distance from other evacuees, use cardboard partition to shut out the flight. However, touching the partition unnecessarily may cause contact infection, so it is important not to touch it as much as possible.

<Cardboard bed>
Cardboard beds are also effective. Flying drops that have fallen on the floor can easily remain, and sleeping on the floor increases the risk of infection. Corrugated beds are said to be able to keep the risk down by keeping the height about 30 cm above the floor.

* Click here for how to make a cardboard bed. A site where you can make NHK. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/contents/bousai_tips/cont19.html

3. Disinfect your hands before and after touching common areas

Prof. Kamihara points out that he needs to be more careful about diligent disinfection and hand washing.

In the common areas of evacuation centers, such as toilets, doorknobs, electric switches, and handrails are touched by many people, so contact infection is likely to occur.

It is important to disinfect and wash your hands before and after touching these common areas. With regard to disinfection "before touching" in particular, it is possible that you have a virus, so it is important to be aware that you do not pass on to other people.

For this reason, it is effective to put alcohol disinfection not only at the entrance of the evacuation center but also at the entrance of the toilet and diligently disinfecting it.

Evacuees often share relief supplies and supplies at evacuation centers. Disinfection before and after touching things is essential.

4. Thinking about how to spend at the shelter

Professor Kambara said, "The new coronavirus has made it impossible to train evacuation centers in the area. Discuss with your family what you can do to reduce the risk of infection, prepare for what you need, and do image training. It is important to do this. "