COVID-19 Is On The Rise. Are You Following the Best Cleaning Practices? A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Space
Early indications point to the onset of a fall wave of COVID-19 in Canada. A few weeks ago, the Public Health Agency of Canada alerted to fluctuations in virus activity across the nation, which could serve as an “early sign” of a surge in infections.
For instance, the proportion of positive COVID-19 tests, which had been steadily decreasing since spring, has now been on the rise for the past month, recently reaching a concerning level of nearly nine percent. Hospitalizations have also seen a notable increase throughout August, spiking by approximately 11 percent in just one week. This surge in hospital admissions resulted in over 1,700 COVID-19 patients occupying hospital beds by August 15th.
Furthermore, there has been a worrisome trend in wastewater signals detected across Canada. As of late July, a minimum of seven out of the 39 sites monitored by federal authorities had reported an uptick in viral traces. This number has since nearly doubled, with at least 13 sites now showing an increase in COVID-19 presence in wastewater samples.
Are you doing everything you can to ensure the safety of your environment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? With the virus still a concern, it’s crucial to ask whether your cleaning and disinfection practices are up to par. In this guide, we’ll not only answer that question but also provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to follow. By the end of this blog post, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to confidently implement the best COVID-19 cleaning practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s establish a fundamental understanding of COVID-19 and how it spreads. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from infected individuals, but it can also survive on surfaces for varying periods, depending on the material.
High-touch surfaces and objects are those frequently handled by people and are at a higher risk of being contaminated by the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 transmission can occur through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, followed by touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands.
The exact contribution of contaminated surfaces or objects to the spread of COVID-19 is not definitively established. Research indicates that the virus can remain viable on surfaces and objects for varying durations, ranging from several hours to multiple days, contingent upon the surface type and environmental conditions. Factors that can extend the virus’s survival include:
- Lower Temperatures: The virus tends to persist longer in environments with temperatures below 20°C.
- Humidity Levels: Relative humidity levels below 40% or above 60% can extend the virus’s viability.
- Surface Texture: Smooth surfaces like plastic and steel tend to retain the virus longer compared to porous surfaces like wood and cardboard.
Effective cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and objects are instrumental in eliminating and deactivating the virus. These measures play a critical role in mitigating the risk of COVID-19 transmission and its spread.
CDC and WHO Guidelines
The CDC and WHO have issued comprehensive guidelines for cleaning and disinfection to combat COVID-19. These guidelines serve as the gold standard for ensuring the safety of your environment. Here are the key principles:
1. Regular Cleaning:
Routine cleaning with soap and water removes dirt and most germs from surfaces. Clean frequently-touched surfaces daily, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and shared electronics.
2. Use Approved Disinfectants:
Utilize EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Ensure proper contact time, as indicated on the product label.
3. Proper Ventilation:
Improve ventilation by increasing the flow of outdoor air indoors. This helps reduce the concentration of respiratory droplets containing the virus.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Ensure that cleaning staff wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and masks, while handling cleaning products and contaminated materials.
5. Hand Hygiene:
Encourage frequent handwashing for all individuals in the space, and provide hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content in readily accessible locations.
Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures
Here’s a step-by-step guide to effective cleaning and disinfection:
1. Preparing for Cleaning:
– Gather necessary supplies, including approved disinfectants, disposable gloves, masks, and cleaning tools.
– Ensure good ventilation by opening windows and doors if possible.
2. Cleaning Surfaces:
Cleaning surfaces and objects with soap (or detergent) and water may not eliminate germs entirely, but it plays a crucial role in reducing their presence by physically removing them.
- Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water first. Use a detergent to remove grease, grime, and dirt.
- Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces like handles, switches, and remote controls.
When disposing of used disposable cleaning items like mop heads and cloths, it’s essential to place them in a lined waste container before disposal. For reusable cleaning items, such as cleaning cloths, wash them thoroughly with soap or detergent and hot water, maintaining a temperature range between 60°C to 90°C.
If you’ve been using gloves during the cleaning process, ensure that you follow proper hand hygiene practices. After removing the gloves, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. In situations where soap and water are not readily available, resort to using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 60%.
3. Disinfecting Surfaces:
You can effectively deactivate the COVID-19 virus by employing suitable disinfectants, following the precise instructions provided on their product labels. Ideally, it is advisable to begin by cleaning surfaces with soap or detergent, and subsequently proceeding to the disinfection process.
Ensure that you scrutinize the label for a Drug Identification Number (DIN) to verify that Health Canada has officially sanctioned the product for sale in Canada. In cases where an approved disinfectant is unavailable, you may resort to using a diluted bleach solution.
It is imperative to meticulously read and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the safe and proper usage of cleaning and disinfecting products. Depending on the product, you might be required to:
- Utilize protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, or goggles.
- Apply it in a well-ventilated area to ensure adequate air circulation.
- Allow for sufficient contact time, as specified, to effectively neutralize the virus.
- Handle the storage and disposal of the product in a responsible and correct manner.
Remember:
- Apply an EPA-approved disinfectant to the cleaned surfaces.
- Follow the recommended contact time specified on the product label.
- Avoid using disinfectant wipes on multiple surfaces, as they may not remain effective.
4. Electronics and Soft Surfaces:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disinfecting regularly used electronics. Use alcohol-based wipes with at least 70% alcohol to clean and disinfect electronics like phones, tablets, and keyboards.
Launder soft surfaces, such as curtains and linens, following manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting.
5. Waste Disposal:
- Dispose of cleaning materials and gloves in lined trash cans.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling waste.
6. Maintaining Regular Cleaning Practices:
- Continue routine cleaning and disinfection, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Encourage individuals to practice good hand hygiene and mask-wearing.
Conclusion
In the battle against COVID-19, rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices are essential. Following CDC and WHO guidelines ensures that your cleaning efforts are effective in reducing the risk of virus transmission. By maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, you can play a crucial role in protecting public health. Keep reading to gain the knowledge needed to confidently implement these best practices and create safer spaces for everyone.
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