Reopening the country requires everyone to move forward by practicing social distancing and daily habits that will help reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness of your home, a safe reopeningstrongly relies on public health strategies.
Now that businesses are reopening and some states are relaxing social distancing restrictions it is important that States make testing more accessible to citizens by increasing the amount of testing locations available to the public. This will help keep track of how the virus is spreading and attack the increasing numbers.
For citizens to ensure their safety when stepping out of the house, cleaning and disinfecting public spaces will require you to develop a plan, implement and maintain your plan accordingly.
This guide is intended for all Americans.
The EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products that can be used against COVID-19 including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes. Each product has been shown to be effective against viruses that are hard to kill, like the one that causes COVID-19.
This document provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfecting practices. The framework is based on doing the following:
- Routine cleaning with soap and water will reduce the risk of exposure by decreasing how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects.
- Using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk. Frequently disinfect surfaces and objects touched by multiple people.
- When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used. Do not mix bleach with other cleaning or disinfecting products, this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
- You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply them directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.
Develop a Plan
In order to develop your plan, begin by evaluating your area by determining what kind of surfaces or materials make up that area. Most surfaces and objects will need normal routine cleaning. Frequently touched surfaces and objects like light switches and doorknobs will need to be disinfected to further reduce the risk of being infected with germs that may cause COVID-19.
- Firstly, you must clean the surface or object with soap and water
- Then, disinfect using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
- If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, you can use 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions to disinfect. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning or disinfection products together. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
Soft and porous materials, such as area rugs and seating, may be removed or stored to reduce disinfecting challenges.
It is critical that your plan includes how to maintain a cleaning and disinfecting strategy after reopening or allowing guest in your home. Develop a flexible plan with your staff or family, adjusting the plan as federal or local guidance is updated.
If your workplace, school or business has been unoccupied for 7 days or more, it will only need your normal routine cleaning to reopen the area. This is because the virus has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than this time.
Implement your Plan
Once you have a plan, it’s time to take action. Read all manufacturers’ instructions for the cleaning and disinfection products that you will use. Put on your gloves and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting.
- Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water prior to disinfection. Remember to always wear gloves to protect your skin from chemicals during routine cleanings.
- Use the appropriate cleaning or disinfecting product. EPA-approved disinfectants when applied according to the manufacturer’s label are effective for use against COVID-19.
Maintain and Revise your Plan
Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 during daily activities. Reducing exposure to yourself and others is a shared responsibility. Continue to update your plan based on updated guidance and your current circumstances.
Surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, desks, phones, light switches, and faucets should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a day. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.
Consider choosing a different disinfectant if your first choice is in short supply. Make sure that there is enough appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and assessthe size of the surface you are treating.
It is essential that we change the ways we use public and private spaces to work, live and play. Now, sourcing personal protective equipmentand other infection control suppliesduring the COVID-19 pandemicis extremely simple thanks to Noble Dental Supplies who now offer free shipping for orders over $500.
Remember, we’re all in this together!
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