Western Region Director of the Veterinary Service, Dr. Simon Gbene has indicated that the new variant of the Coronavirus pandemic has the ability to transmit through the eyes.
Dr. Simon Gbene told Samuel Kojo Brace on Skyy Power FMs Jolly Breakfast Show program that the wearing of a face mask is good but not enough to prevent one from contracting the new variant. He notes that there are three ways of contracting the coronavirus and the eyes cannot be ruled out.
“What I mean is that already there are three ways of getting the diseases. These are established scientifically, through the nose, mouth, and eyes. The new variant is more infectious and is more transmissible through the eyes. if someone is close to you and the person has no nose mask, it is easy to get it through the eyes. Transmission through the eyes has already been established so we need to protect the eyes”. Dr. Simon Gbene noted.
Dr. Simon Gbene added that each person should consider the wearing of faceshield or spectacles together with the face mask for an improved protection. he notes that the faceshild is more effective in preventing droplets from falling into the eyes.
“The face shield is more effective in preventing droplets from falling on your eyes. The recent interviews we have conducted suggest people get the virus through the eyes. it’s conclusive, so we should let people know the eyes can transmit the disease”. He indicated
Dr. Simon Gbene added that “if everyone wears the nose mask, droplets cannot get through the eyes of another person and we will not have issues. We all need one hundred percent protection”. Dr. Simon Gbene added.
Dr. Simon Gbene further indicated that the new variant has been detected in the Western Region and resident should be on high alert.
we have selected some samples for further testing and we have more of the new variant here in the western region. we worked on 20 samples and 18 out of the number had the new varient. initially, we were getting 45 in the overall testing a day but its going up, we are getting close to 50 daily now”. He noted.