A REVIEW OF THE ROLE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MICROORGANISMS IN EXACERBATING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC FROM AN INFRASTRUCTURE PERSPECTIVE

Purpose: Although micro-organisms may appear to exist in their own microscopic world, their existence still heavily affects human beings. Micro-organisms can be found in various places and on various surfaces. With modernisation has also come growing demands for infrastructure. Along with the growing rate that infrastructure components are being erected has also come the growing locations in which micro-organisms can be found. Surface micro-organisms have co-existed with humans for a very long time, however, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has also come a need to reevaluate the relationship that micro-organisms have with infrastructure surfaces. Design: This paper gives a review of where micro-organisms can mostly be found in infrastructure and also suggests possible ways in which their effects may be lowered. The review is done through the use of existing literature. Findings: One such way is through the use of anti-microbial agents. Although there are a number of perceived advantages of using such technologies, it remains largely opposed by many professionals due to its inadequate benefits and concerns around its compositions. A closer look at a materials surface such as concrete reveals that material surfaces invisibly carry with them numerous pockets which form hives for bacterial colonies. Value: This review demonstrates that greater attention needs to be given to the microscopic surface finish of materials so as to eliminate as far as possible any microscopic pockets for bacteria to lodge in.