Coronavirus outbreak: Take precautions during breathalyzer tests, police told

CHANDIGARH: As

novel coronavirus

(nCoV) is airborne flu and like H1N1 it can be transmitted by cough or sneeze, there is a concern in the public regarding use of breathalyzers by the traffic cops.

Taking up this issue, a letter was sent by the deputy superintendent police (traffic) on January 5 to PGI experts for a medical opinion to suspend breathalyzers that are used to check drunken driving. The PGI doctors opine that a single-use disposable mouthpiece must be used to prevent transmission of nCoV. Kerala, which has recorded three cases of nCoV, has already suspended the use of breathalyzers.

The doctors have not recommended banning the device, instead they have suggested that a disposable one-time use mouth piece should be used.

"We have given the opinion as sought by the traffic police. Close contact can transmit nCoV. So those who are asked to use the breathalyzers must demand for disposable ones," said PGI director Prof Jagat Ram.

Although the police claim that the tube is replaced after each use, there are concerns that the device could still transmit virus from one person to anotehr. "The same holds for other viruses and infectious diseases like H1N1 and tuberculosis. When the device touches the mouth, the best practice is to use disposable mouthpiece unless something new comes," said the PGI director. He added, "The used mouthpieces should be disposed off with all aseptic precautions."

The police, while asking for a medical opinion, had written that they were receiving mails from the public about

coronavirus scare

, including a request to suspend use of breathalyzers to stop spreading virus while blowing air.The doctors feel that observing hygiene and cough etiquettes can prevent transmission of the virus infection. The PGI has also again been circulating precautionary messages like stop shaking hands and instead greet with folded hands (namaste).