According to a study conducted by the Journal of Hospital Infection, coronavirus can survive and, consequently, remain infectious, for up to nine days on surfaces. In some cases, particularly in colder climates, this time period can be extended.
This makes effective, thorough cleaning protocols all the more important. For businesses that are currently operating or plan to reopen in the coming months, disinfecting surfaces and completing regular, adequate cleaning on their premise/s is paramount.
Cleaning to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic
Anand Deva, from Macquarie University’s Surgical Infection Research Group, has emphasised the need for more training, so that individuals understand how to effectively disinfect surfaces, helping contain the spread of COVID-19.
Professor Deva explained, “Hospitals have got staff who are highly trained. I wonder if school cleaners have the same training. I wonder if cruise ships have the same.”
In the midst of this pandemic, the Ruby Princess cruise ship has become notorious for its failure to manage the risks of coronavirus as required. The Ruby Princess docked in Sydney and, since, more than 600 coronavirus cases have been linked to the cruise ship. Concerningly, prior to this, the ship had been rated a medium risk for COVID-19.
If just one person is positive for COVID-19, they can contaminate numerous surfaces during their day-to-day life. Because of this, the virus can all too easily get out of control, especially if surfaces aren’t being cleaned and disinfected as required. By following cleaning protocols and taking the appropriate precautions, we can reduce community transmission and keep the virus relatively contained.
Minimising Risks Through Adequate Cleaning Protocols
By understanding what has and, ultimately, hasn’t worked, experts have been able to make various recommendations as to how cleaning ought to take place.
This includes:
- Cleaning surfaces with soap before disinfecting them;
- Using 62-71 per cent ethanol to disinfect surfaces;
- Cleaning seats. In particular, don’t forget to clean and disinfect the bottom of chairs, where people often pull them into a table;
- Staying up-to-date on the latest industry requirements;
- Following relevant Government guidelines.
Make Sure Your Cleaning Company is Meeting COVID-19 Requirements
Now more than ever before, ensuring your cleaning company is taking the appropriate steps to manage and mitigate risks is crucial.
At Integrated Compliance Solutions, we recognise this and; thus, have introduced our COVID-19 Gap Analysis service for the cleaning sector. This will, ultimately, assist you in meeting the new industry-specific requirements, so that your cleaning company can keep your clients, as well as their staff and customers, safe from infection.
For more information, contact us today.
The information in this article was sourced from the following: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/one-of-the-most-crucial-aspects-of-containing-covid-19-is-overlooked-20200405-p54h8g.html