Coronavirus (COVID-19) can remain on surfaces for hours to a couple of days. By making sure you are cleaning surfaces as often as possible, especially those high volume areas (countertops, doorknobs, bathrooms, etc), will help provide the best measure of coronavirus prevention. 

See below information on cleaning and disinfecting items that are focused on community, non-healthcare facilities, schools, offices, daycares, businesses, gym, etc. All information has been taken from the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

Information For Businesses/Schools:

• Close off any areas that may have been used by anybody infected with Covid-19. You will want to wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting the area. Make sure you open any doors or windows to get air circulation in the area. 
• Cleaning/janitorial staff should disinfect and clean EVERY area in the office/building that was used by anybody that has been infected by the virus (ie offices, restrooms, lobbys, kitchens, break rooms, etc).

Places That House People Overnight: 

• Follow guidance for US Institutions of Higher Education on working with state and local health officials to separate and quarantine anybody that has been infected by Covid-19.
• Close off any areas that have been used by anybody infected with Covid-19. You will want to wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting the area. Make sure you open any doors or windows to get air circulation in the area.
• Cleaning/janitorial staff should disinfect and clean EVERY area in the office/building that was used by anybody that has been infected by the virus (ie offices, restrooms, lobbys, kitchens, break rooms, etc).

Basic Surface Cleaning: 

• Clean dirty surfaces with detergent or soap and water before you disinfect. 
• How to disinfect: 
  • Use any diluted household bleach solution that has at least 70% of alcohol. 
  • Most EPA registered household disinfectants would work. 
  • Diluted household bleach solutions can be used as long as it states on label that it can be used for that specific surface. Make sure the product isn’t expired and do not mix household bleach with ammonia or other cleansers. 

How to Prepare a Bleach Solution:

• Use 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. 
• Find a list of disinfectants used to disinfect for Covid-19 https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2. Make sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions.

When Linens Need To Be Washed: 

• For surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, or drapes, make sure to remove visible contamination and clean with appropriate cleaners (labels will state what it is able to clean). After cleaning the surface wash the item in the washer on the warmest water setting and make sure the items dry completely.
• For items that can be laundered, make sure not to shake dirty laundry to ensure the virus is not dispersed through the air. Dirty laundry that has been used by an infected person, can be used with other items. 
• Make sure to clean and disinfect any hampers or items that laundry has been in.
• When cleaning these items you should wear gloves and a mask. Make sure to remove these items carefully and avoid cross contamination with any other items. Take off the clothes you were wearing to disinfect and wash immediately or wear a disposable gown over your clothes.
• Make sure to remove gloves after cleaning each room/area. Always clean your hands immediately after you take gloves off. 
• Anyone cleaning should report an incident where they might have gotten exposed to a contaminated area. 

Washing Your Hands: 

• Clean your hands AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. 
• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you do not have soap and water and your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use hand sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands. 
• Alway wash your hands: 
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing
  • After using the restroom
  • Before you handle any food
  • After touching an animals/pets
  • Before or after caring for anyone who needs assistance, like a child. 

Employers Duties: 

• Employers should educate staff and workers on guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for Covid-19. 
• Employers should educate staff and workers to know what to do if they develop any symptoms (i.e. notify their supervisor and the local health department if they believe they have the virus). 
• Employers should be trained on how to properly and safely use cleaning chemicals (according to OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard).

For COVID-19 disinfection services in Utah, contact our sister company, AJET Services. They provide disinfection and cleaning services for any commercial building, restaurant or residence. 

• Commercial Buildings & Restaurants: We will disinfect the inside and outside of your office or restaurant by using CDC approved chemicals.
• Residential: We will visit your neighborhood once a week to disinfect items such as, garbage cans, door handles, handrails, mailbox, etc.

For more information visit their website.