Answers to your COVID-19 questions
The Houston Chronicle is asking readers to submit questions and story ideas about the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Questions are answered online at houstonchronicle.com/coronavirus. Here are answers to some recent questions.
Q: When is the coronavirus expected to peak in Houston?
A: Most models have indicated that the peak is supposed to occur around May 2. As with anything related to the coronavirus, that could be subject to change. But health officials as recently as Monday said the peak should happen in early May.
Q: Can the coronavirus live in water and sewage systems?
A: At this time, health officials don’t think so. In drinking water systems, conventional water treatment methods should remove or inactivate the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The same goes for proper cleaning and disinfection of pools, hot tubs or spas and water playgrounds.
Less conclusive information is available about sewage systems. The risk is low, but SARS, a 2003 coronavirus, had been detected in untreated sewage for up to 14 days. Wastewater and sewage workers are being urged to be diligent in following good hygiene practices and wearing personal protective equipment
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Q: What cleaning products are effective for carpets, wood floors and other hard surfaces?
A: For hard surfaces, first clean the surface with detergent or soap and water. Then, use a cleaning solution. The EPA has a registered list of effective household disinfectants, but diluted household bleach solutions also work. Do a search for “List N Disinfectants AND covid” at epa.gov to review the registered list.
For softer surfaces such as carpet, rugs and drapes, clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the CDC recommends. Use the warmest water possible and let these items dry completely.
Electronics should be cleaned, again, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. But if you can’t find any instructions, the CDC advises that you try alcohol-based wipes or sprays that contain at least 70 percent alcohol on touch screens.
Don’t forget: Always wear gloves, and wash your hands after cleaning surfaces.
Q: Is there any danger in using restaurant pickup or delivery?
A: After researchers found evidence that suggested the novel coronavirus could live on surfaces for hours or days, health experts changed their recommendations for ordering take-out and delivery.
Here are some tips on how to safely eat a meal after delivery or pickup:
• Avoid direct contact with the person delivering your items.
• Place your order, still in the bag, in your sink and disinfect it later. Make sure it doesn’t sit on your counter space, or if that is not possible, disinfect the counter after.
• Transfer your food from the containers to serving dishes, using clean utensils. Put any leftovers in a clean container so you don’t put the delivery packaging in your fridge (it’s not clear if cold temperatures can neutralize the virus currently).
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before you eat your meal.
• Wipe down your sink with a disinfectant when you are done.
For more information, see the free article on takeout and delivery at chron.com/takeout.
Q: Does vinegar kill COVID-19?
A: Vinegar is used by some as a natural household cleaner because it can break down dirt and can kill some germs. However, vinegar is not recognized as an effective disinfectant by the EPA. It is not suggested to be used in place of alcohol-based disinfectants or diluted bleach solutions.
Q: What is being done for the homeless?
A: People without homes are particularly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. The federal government on April 4 announced it would give $3 billion in aid to help people experiencing homelessness find shelter during the pandemic, as well as expand testing and treatment. Read staff writer Sarah Smith’s reporting on Houston’s homeless during the pandemic at houstonchronicle.com/virus-homeless.
Mayor Sylvester Turner on March 25 said Houston is finalizing lease agreements with two hotels for about 180 rooms that could house patients who need to isolate themselves. Some of those rooms, he said, could be used for the city’s homeless population, as well. Staff writer Dylan McGuinness explores this issue at houstonchronicle.com/ virus-hotels.
Q: What do I do if my company is remaining open and I still have to go into the office where they aren’t practicing social distancing? I don’t want to lose my job. How do I report them?
A: To report a business violating the stay-at-home order, you can can 211 or go to www.211texas.org or call the city of Houston at 311.
Q: Is Harris county under a curfew?
A: No. Harris County and the city of Houston have not issued curfews. The stay-at-home order does prevent residents from leaving their homes for any non-essential tasks.
Montgomery and Chambers counties are the only areas that have implemented curfews in the region.