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CDC: Cleaning and Disinfection for Facilities

MaintainX
04/26/2021

CDC: Cleaning and Disinfection for Facilities

    Source: CDC, Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

    Interim Recommendations for U.S. Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

    Summary of Recent Changes

    Summary of Recent Changes

    Background

    There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

    Based on what is currently known about the virus and about similar coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet).

    This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, but disease transmission via infectious aerosols is currently uncertain.

    Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented.

    Transmission of coronavirus in general occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites.

    Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.

    Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in community settings.

    It is unknown how long the air inside a room occupied by someone with confirmed COVID-19 remains potentially infectious.

    Facilities will need to consider factors such as the size of the room and the ventilation system design when deciding how long to close off rooms or areas used by ill persons before beginning disinfection.

    Taking measures to improve ventilation in an area or room where someone was ill or suspected to be ill with COVID-19 will help shorten the time it takes respiratory droplets to be removed from the air.

    Purpose

    This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas occupied by those with suspected or with confirmed COVID-19.

    It is aimed at limiting the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in key environments. These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.

    These guidelines are focused on community, non-healthcare facilities such as schools, institutions of higher education, offices, daycare centers, businesses, and community centers that do, and do not, house persons overnight.

    These guidelines are not meant for cleaning staff in healthcare facilities or repatriation sites, households, or for others for whom specific guidance already exists.

    Definitions

    Community facilities such as schools, daycare centers, and businesses comprise most non-healthcare settings that are visited by the general public outside of a household.

    Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces.

    Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing the germs, it decreases their number and therefore any risk of spreading infection.

    Disinfecting works by using chemicals, for example EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces.

    This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces any risk of spreading infection.

    Cleaning and Disinfection After Persons Suspected/Confirmed to Have COVID-19 Have Been in the Facility

    Timing and location of cleaning and disinfection of surfaces

    At a school, daycare center, office, or other facility that does not house people overnight:

    At a facility that does house people overnight:

    How to Clean and Disinfect

    Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces

    Soft (Porous) Surfaces

    Electronics

    Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry

    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene:

    Additional key times to clean hands include:

    Additional Considerations for Employers:

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