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As you plan for your return to work it’s important to revisit your cleaning routine to make sure you’re doing what you can to protect yourself and your employees.
We want to help, so we’ve put together some guidelines based on insight and recommendations from Public Health England.
Cleanliness has always been the priority for our clients & their visitors. But it’s even more critical as we all aim to reduce the spread of infection. According to PHE, it’s possible for someone to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface—like a door handle or light switch—and the virus may live on some surfaces for several hours or even days. That’s why it’s essential to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often, especially between reservations.
When it comes to preventing the spread of germs, it helps to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning is the act of removing germs, dirt, and impurities. Disinfecting is when you use chemicals to kill germs. By cleaning first, then disinfecting, you can lower the risk of infection.
What you need to know
cleaning an area with normal household disinfectant after someone with suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people
wear disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning. These should be double-bagged, then stored securely for 72 hours then thrown away in the regular rubbish after cleaning is finished
using a disposable cloth, first clean hard surfaces with warm soapy water. Then disinfect these surfaces with the cleaning products you normally use. Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as bathrooms, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells and door handles
if an area has been heavily contaminated, such as with visible bodily fluids, from a person with coronavirus (COVID-19), use protection for the eyes, mouth, and nose, as well as wearing gloves and an apron
wash hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and after removing gloves, aprons and other protection used while cleaning
Background
Experience of new coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) has been used to inform this guidance. The risk of infection depends on many factors, including:
the type of surfaces contaminated
the amount of virus shed from the individual
the time the individual spent in the setting
the time since the individual was last in the setting
The infection risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) following contamination of the environment decreases over time. It is not yet clear at what point there is no risk. However, studies of other viruses in the same family suggest that, in most circumstances, the risk is likely to be reduced significantly after 72 hours.