Communicable and Infectious Disease Cleanup

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Based on what is currently known about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and similar Coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS, they spread from person to-person.

These viruses happen most frequently among close contacts, within about 6 feet. Transmission occurs, via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, transmission of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been completely explained and/or documented at this time. Transmission of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites.

 Current evidence suggests Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 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 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other viral respiratory illnesses in office buildings, households and large community settings.

• Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
• Sanitize refers to make less offensive through elimination of anything unwholesome, objectionable, or incriminating.
• Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in office building and common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks).

List of Communicable Diseases:

• Coronavirus
• Ebola
• MRSA
• C-Difficle
• Influenza
• HIV
• H1N1
• Staph Infection
• Hantavirus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C