With the coronavirus situation getting incrementally serious with the number of cases and deaths worldwide increasing rapidly, everyone is concerned about staying safe. Establishments and offices have adopted measures such as temperature taking as well as hand sanitising in a bid keep the virus at bay.

Indeed, experts have said that the best way to avoid infection from touching a contaminated surface is to avoid touching your face, and to wash your hands with soap and water frequently. At the end of the day, the goal is to avoid bringing the virus into one's body - hence we sanitise surfaces and wear masks. So what should drivers do to lower their risk of contracting the virus? Here’s what we suggest.

1. Clear the clutter, sanitise the interior

Before you even think about sanitising your car's interior, de-clutter first. It is difficult to keep surfaces clean if your car is full of barangs. With the random objects all out of the way, you can now clean the interior of your car, toss out trash such as used tissues, vacuum the seats and carpets. Complete the interior cleaning by wiping down all surfaces with dedicated interior cleaning products.

To be on the safe side, you can also consider wiping down with a disinfectant as well. However, be sure to check that it is suitable for the surface that you are using on, as you wouldn't want to damage the interior trim pieces in your car. Alternatively, you can approach car detailing shops to do an interior detailing. Most shops also offer anti-bacteria Nano Mist fumigation treatments that can not only get rid of bacteria and germs, but also remove any odour in your car.

2. Air the car as and when possible

According to the Ministry of Health's Chief Health Scientist, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, most studies indicate that viruses don't persist well in hot humid environments. Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, Programme Leader of infectious diseases at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School, also mentions that cool and less humid enclosed spaces could help to spread respiratory diseases as well.

Hence, it is suggested that a way to reduce the spread of diseases is to keep windows and doors open to let fresh air in and cut down on air-conditioner use as the virus struggles outdoor. In the same way, airing your car as and when possible is a good idea to keep your car virus-free. In fact, experts also say that the ultraviolet rays and heat from the sun could help to kill viruses.

3. Clean the car's air-con system

While the virus is unlikely to stay alive for extended periods on surfaces, and there has been no result to show that the virus can be spread through the air, you should still keep the air-conditioning system of your car clean. Dirty air-conditioning systems is a breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, even without the virus, an extremely dirty and moldy air-con can be the cause of breathing problems and even pneumonia.

In today's climate with the virus scare, there is even more reason for you to get the air-conditioning system of your car serviced. This will not only keep you healthy, but also make the cabin a more comfortable, odourless place to be in.

4. Wear a mask if you are not feeling well

Yup, wear a mask if you are not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms, whether you are walking about in the open, or inside the confines of your car. The coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets - saliva or discharge from the nose. As such, ensuring that you only sneeze or cough into tissues (that are properly disposed of) and using a mask when you are sick will limit the spread of viruses. In fact, these are good hygiene habits that everyone should adopt, regardless of virus outbreak.

If you are a private hire car driver, do consider providing tissue paper or even masks for passengers who are unwell to protect yourself as well as the other passengers of your car.

5. Use plastic bags or re-sealable bags for trash

There is not much point in using tissues or masks if you were to leave them lying haphazardly after use. It is recommended to dispose of used tissues and masks in bins with lids. When in a car, you can improvise by using plastic bags or re-sealable bags instead.

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