EPA, CDC release guidance for cleaning & disinfecting spaces where Americans live, work, and play
Opening Up American Again: guidance for cleaning & disinfecting commercial spaces
SAN ANTONIO (April 29, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance to help facility operators and private businesses properly clean and disinfect spaces. Developed in concert with the White House, the guidance provides step-by-step instructions for public spaces, workplaces, businesses and schools, and falls in line with the Opening up America Again guidelines .
“These guidelines will provide all Americans with information they need to help the country reopen as safely as possible,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “These cleaning and disinfecting protocols will help ensure the health and safety of everyone in our homes, schools, offices and businesses.”
“Proper and effective cleaning and disinfecting are important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield. “As our nation re-opens, this guidance is critical to help Americans return as safely as possible to work, school, and other daily activities within their communities.”
EPA’s expertise on the safe and effective use of disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 informed the development of this comprehensive plan. The guidance offers a practical, three-step process for preparing spaces for reopening:
1.DEVELOP YOUR PLAN
DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED.
Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning. Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.
DETERMINE HOW AREAS WILL BE DISINFECTED.
Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched. Prioritize disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
CONSIDER THE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED.
Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants.
2. IMPLEMENT
CLEAN VISIBLY DIRTY SURFACES WITH SOAP AND WATER
Prior to disinfection.
USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING OR DISINFECTANT PRODUCT.
Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against COVID-19, and read the label to make sure it meets your needs.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL.
The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.
3. MAINTAIN & REVISE
CONTINUE ROUTINE CLEANING AND DISINFECTION.
Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant and PPE availability. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
MAINTAIN SAFE PRACTICES.
Such as frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings, and staying home if you are sick.
CONTINUE PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE.
Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others. Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.
“Implementing proactive disinfection and sanitization plans are critical in maintaining a safe work environment,” said Natura President, Joshua Senneff. Natura specializes in commercial disinfection services throughout Texas. “Office workers and other employees are going to expect their companies to take an active role in assuring their wellbeing, said Senneff.”
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is an important, two-step process central to any effort to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Clean: Use soap and water to remove germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection.
- Disinfect: Use disinfectant products to kill germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes, that can be used against SARS-CoV-2. Always follow the product label instructions and safety information including leaving the product on the surface long enough to kill germs, rinsing off the product to avoid ingesting it, and putting the product out of reach of children right away.
Also, avoid over-using or stockpiling disinfectants or personal protective equipment (such as gloves). This can result in shortages of critical products needed for emergencies. In the event that disinfectant products on the EPA list are not available, the guidance provides other techniques for disinfecting surfaces that are as effective in reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
This guidance does not replace other measures that still need to be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. It is important to continue to practice social distancing, wear cloth face coverings, and wash your hands frequently. As we move forward to reopen America, continue to follow federal, state, tribal, territorial and local guidance.
To view the guidance: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/guidance-cleaning-and-disinfecting-public-spaces-workplaces-businesses-schools-and-homes.
Natura offers clients enhanced sanitation services that go beyond clean by decontaminating all surfaces and high-touch objects with EPA-approved disinfectants that are safe, effective against SARS-CoV-2 virus and non-toxic.
For more information visit, our disinfecting services page here: https://naturaHQ.com/disinfection-services
