It’s been over a year since our world changed in response to the Coronavirus. And if there is one task that has been on top of everybody’s mind for the past year, more than any other, it is cleaning and disinfecting. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing has been more important for business owners than making sure the various surfaces and common areas in their workplaces are disinfected properly.
Below are tips on how to slow the spread of germs specifically through cleaning and disinfecting.
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Know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.
Cleaning refers to the removal of germs and dirt from surfaces. Cleaning will not kill germs; it simply removes them or reduces the number of germs in order to lower the risk of infection.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
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Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often
Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
High touch surfaces include: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
Then, use disinfectant. We recommend using an EPA-registered household disinfectant. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
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Clean and disinfect your facility if someone is sick
- Close off areas used by the person who is sick.
- Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
- Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines.
- Continue routing cleaning and disinfection.
When Cleaning
- Wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
- Additional personal protective equipment (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.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.