In: Biology
Both the CDC and the WHO recommend routine handwashing (with soap) as a mechanism to reduce the transmission and acquisition of COVID-19. This is because...
A. Soap is amphipathic (i.e. has both polar and non-polar regions). Because the phospholipid membrane of the coronavirus is likewise, soap (in essence) dissolves this membrane, and the virus becomes inactive.
B. Washing your hands with soap creates a barrier that prevents the virus from causing an infection should you happen to touch your eyes, nose, and/or mouth
C. Individuals frequently shake hands when meeting one another. Because it is impossible to prevent such interaction, despite current social distancing guidelines, handwashing (with soap) of essential importance.
D. Droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus can only be acquired by touching contaminated surfaces: therefore, handwashing is the ideal mechanism for preventing acquisition and transmission of the virus.
E. None of the above