Japanese scientists discover fabric spray kills >99.9% of COVID-19 virus

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Leading Japanese household company Earth Corporation has announced breakthrough clinical studies confirming that Natucair, its brand of fabric and linen spray, kills >99.9% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Clinical studies show that Natucair was effective in killing >99.9% SARS-CoV-2.

Shintaro Noda, in charge of Regional Marketing of Earth Corporation, disclosed that based on clinical studies made by the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center in Kobe, Natucair was effective in killing >99.9% SARS-CoV-2 in suspension.

With 17 testing centers in Japan and around the world, the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center is one of the most credible and trusted institutions when it comes to evaluating the efficacy of products to be used internationally.

The testing involved mixing nine parts of Natucair with one part sample of the SARS-CoV-2 using plaque assay protocol. After five minutes of contact, the samples were re-examined to see the effect on the SARS-CoV-2 particles.

A study led by microbiologist Dr. Katie Laird showed that fabrics pose a risk for transmission of the virus.

Filipinos can make a daily routine of spraying down their shirts, pants, and other fabrics in their outfits including the inner cloth linings of shoes with Natucair.

Natucair eliminates odors from fabrics all around the house while also killing bacteria, germs and viruses.

“We are extremely proud of our team of scientists and researchers who have made this groundbreaking confirmation,” says Yuya Suzuki of Research and Development. “Everyday, Filipinos should be able to have options and products that can help them stay safe from the dangers of COVID-19 and we’re happy to add Natucair to that list.”

This scientific breakthrough comes at a timely moment as COVID-19 cases reported the highest surge in the Philippines since the third quarter of 2020. Since early March, the Department of Health (DOH) reported more than 3,000 COVID-19 cases daily, peaking recently with over 8,000 cases reported in a single day.

 As the numbers continue to rise, scientists and researchers continuously search to identify key risks of transmission that help the virus spread and how to potentially counteract these risks.

One potential point of transmission that should not be taken for granted is fabrics. Recently, the BBC reported a study led by microbiologist Dr. Katie Laird that looked into the survival rate of COVID-19 on commonly worn fabrics.

According to Dr. Laird, these fabrics “pose a risk for transmission of the virus.”

Laird’s study showed droplets of the coronavirus added to three commonly used fabrics: polyester, polycotton and 100% cotton. Scientists then monitored the stability of the virus on each fabric for 72 hours. It was found that of the three fabrics, polyester posed the greatest risk as the virus survived for the full 3-day test period. Serious risks were also discovered on the other two fabrics. The virus lasted for a full 24 hours on 100% cotton and six hours on polycotton.

Laird pointed out that these fabrics—commonly used in the uniforms of healthcare professionals that regularly come into contact with COVID-19 patients—pose a great threat. “If nurses and healthcare workers take their uniforms home,” said Laird, “they could be leaving traces of the virus on other surfaces.”

Shintaro explains that Natucair can become a handy part of every Filipino’s day. “As we all continue to remain vigilant and cautious in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is encouraging to find that Natucair effectively kills SARS-CoV-2. As Natucair is designed to be used on fabrics, we recommend that all Filipinos should make it a daily routine to spray down their shirts, pants, and other fabrics in their outfits including the inner cloth linings of shoes with Natucair.”

Shintaro remains optimistic that Natucair will have a positive effect in helping Filipinos live their everyday lives in safety and comfort.

“We believe that every home can benefit from having Natucair,” says Shintaro. “Natucair eliminates odors from fabrics while also killing bacteria, germs and viruses. Natucair does this with ease, convenience and practicality.”

5 things to remember as we begin again

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As we welcome the new year—2021, it might do well for us to look back, to take stock of the positive lessons that we can extract from what was an unprecedented year. For sure, numerous take-aways can be gained as we move forward and anticipate a more “mobile” next normal—especially since vaccine trials by leading pharmaceutical companies have been yielding encouraging results.

With that, here are 5 lessons we should remember as we begin again:

Always wash your hands

Perhaps the most frequent reminder worth noting is how the power of proper handwashing has been in full display. It has been proven effective in killing 99.9% of germs and should always be considered a first line of defense against sicknesses and diseases.

Do not take sicknesses lightly 

The previous year that was also demonstrated how a virus can easily and quickly transmit from one person to another. With this, one should learn to treat regular coughs, colds, and flu like a very harmful and contagious virus. That means that even if the pandemic eventually ends, it would be wise to isolate one’s self when they feel flu-like symptoms or anything of the sort.

 

Take care of yourself

But more than the physical and physiological, we also learned to focus on ourselves and safeguard our mental health, a practice which we should continue doing even as we start physically interacting with others—carefully—and as we slowly get back into our fast-paced lives.

 

Cherish each moment

At some point during the lockdown, there must have been a point where we all realized that we had taken some activities, events, and physical hangouts for granted. So, in heading out again with care, cherish and make the most out of every outdoor moment and create memories that can last lifetimes.

Always be prepared

But in our excitement to resume our normal lifestyle, hang out, and even hook up, it’s important to remember that health safety should always be a priority for us to continue to enjoy the best things life can offer, for a long time.

So always be prepared and bring quality PPEs like alcohol, hand sanitizers, wipes, and even condoms—such as Durex—especially for those who have been craving for intimacy.

To learn more about the best PPEs to use in the next normal and how to stay safe and protected both up there and down there, Durex has launched a series of insightful videos with Boys Night Out which you can catch on Facebook and YouTube.

With Safeguard, practising good hygiene keeps a family happy and healthy

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Cleanliness and good hygiene practices are essential for health. It's best to practice healthy hygiene habits daily. In our everyday activities at home, and when you are outdoors or while travelling. frequent hand washing reduces the spread of germs, bacteria and food-borne illness. Handwashing with soap is the most effective, defense against germs and preventable illnesses. 

Safeguard soap is the trusted name in bath essentials, bath soap and especially for germ protection. Safeguard knows that clean hands save lives.

For so many years, we're using Safeguard at home. The soap regular in the bathroom and kitchen sink. I remember even in my younger years, my parents will buy bar soap as mentioning 'buy Safeguard' as synonimous in buying soap, the only trusted brand for soap.

Safeguard now have new products - Safeguard Pure White Body Wash and Safeguard Derma Sense Body Wash for Acne Prone and Sensitive Skin.

Practising good hygiene keeps a family happy and healthy. Keep your family free from germs, bacteria and viral infection that cause diseases, by protecting them with a range of products from Safeguard.

It is also important for parents to teach and model these skills to their children. Healthy personal hygiene habits instilled in childhood often follow children into adulthood. 

Here are some tips that clean hands save lives : 

You should always wash your hands before handling or eating food; after trips to the restroom; after handling animals; before and after changing a diaper or handling a small child; after handling garbage or other dirty objects; before and after contact with a sick person; and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. 

P&G’s largest Global Personal Care brand, Safeguard is now available in easy and convenient applications such as Bar Soap, Bodywash, Liquid Hand Soap and Hand Sanitizer.