The uncertainty which the novel COVID-19 has brought the world into a sudden halt, may have us on edge for good reason, as this virus is causing a major disruption of our everyday way of life. The focus is to ‘not get infected’ and follow the recommendations of safety measures to achieve it. These suggestions are clearly posted everywhere we look, chances are we have them memorized. The general health safety prevention measures that most of us have known all our lives still stand true, more so today than ever before.
The continuous and emphasized reminders to avoid exposure by local, state, and federal health officials are to be taken seriously. However, the exponential infection rate of the virus indicate that the continuous spread could mean that many of us are still not taking heed on the emergency advisories of self-quarantine, or many of us were already exposed before the alarm went off two weeks ago in the United States, or even within our immediate communities. At this point, all we have left to do is to proceed with extreme caution, and hope we still have a chance to contain the spread of this virus, as best as we are able. We have also taken to heart the DO THE FIVE public health catchy statement:
DO THE FIVE to Help stop CoViD-19:
- HANDS Wash them often
- ELBOW Cough into it
- FACE Don’t touch it
- SPACE Keep safe distance
- 5 HOME Stay if you can
On March 17, 2020, the National Institutes of Health reported new findings that the virus can remain stable (alive) on surfaces hours, even days after its release/exposure to such surface. It is important note these as we continue about our daily lives, even when following Social Distancing and The Five mentioned above.
CoViD-19 can live up to:
- 3 hrs on air
- 4 hrs on copper surfaces
- 24 hrs on cardboard
- 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel
We hope by now, our readers have taken the shelter-in-place recommendation seriously as well as the above advisories; and brace for what is coming the next few weeks, in the safety and comfort of home, along with our immediate family.
Following CDC recommendations on self-quarantine or “social distancing” as we’ve quickly adopted the new term, here are is a process to consider when cleaning and disinfecting, especially when venturing out to place of work for essential employees; or while at-home and/or receiving packages as a result of online orders.
How to Clean and Disinfect (per CDC recommendations – Source: CDC Coronavirus Website)
Surfaces
- If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
- Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
- Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
- For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
- If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.
- Otherwise, use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link) that are suitable for porous surfaces
Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry
- Do not shake dirty laundry; this minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
- Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
- Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene:
- Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
- Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.
- Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
- Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.
- Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill persons. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
- Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE (e.g., tear in gloves) or any potential exposures to their supervisor.
- Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
- Follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Additional key times to clean hands include:
- After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After using the restroom
- Before eating or preparing food
- After contact with animals or pets
- Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g., a child)
- Additional key times to clean hands include:
We hope this information helps our readers to reduce the exposure to the virus that is currently impacting the world. We’re all in this together, and our hope is that we all are able to do our part to “flatten the curve” as we await brighter days ahead of public health.
We’d like to remind our readers, that as a 24/7 professional clean-up emergency service company, ServiClean, Inc. is taking all the necessary precautions to maximize the safety of our customers, our staff and our communities. We are here should you need us, and we are ready to serve.
Sincerely,
ServiClean, Inc.
