CloroxPro Blog – Professional Cleaning and Disinfection Insights

Over the past few months Canadians have worked hard to flatten the curve and help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.¹ The reopening of our nation is continuing in phases across the country.¹

It is a challenging time as schools, hotels and restaurants, offices and retail stores begin to reopen. However, with increased number of people in these spaces, the potential for infection from high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces also increases.¹ There is also the chance of someone forgetting to use proper handwashing technique or the other rules for reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.¹

Surfaces frequently touched with hands are most likely to be contaminated, such as doorknobs, handrails and light switches.² It is not yet known how long the virus that causes COVID-19 lives on surfaces, however, early evidence suggests that it can live on objects and surfaces from a few hours to days.²

What role can you play in the reopening?

A successful reopening takes some planning. If your workplace has a cleaning or disinfection protocol in place already, take this opportunity to review it, and if necessary, update or enhance it to reflect the required precautions due to COVID-19.²

You can look for guidance on this topic from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Infection Prevention and Control of Canada, or your local Public Health Department.^3,4 You can also check the tip sheets available from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.⁵

Be prepared

Preparation is key. The following steps will help you be ready in case of an outbreak.

• Put outbreak preparedness procedures in place.^6-8
• Create an outbreak checklist, including locations of quarantine rooms, list of contacts, and steps for deep cleaning.^7-9
• Ensure that there is personal protective equipment available. This includes gloves, masks and gowns.^7-10

Assign someone to be in charge of the infection prevention and control procedures to ensure they are followed.

Choose a product that cleans and disinfects

Canada Public Health recommends that when cleaning public spaces like schools, stores and workplaces, choose products that clean and disinfect all at once.²

• Cleaning products remove germs and dirt.²
• Disinfecting products kill germs on surfaces.²
• Only use approved hard-surface disinfectants that have a Health Canada approved Drug Identification Number (DIN).²

The Clorox Company makes disinfectants that are approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As your partners in disinfection, you can count on us to provide you with appropriate products and equipment, and also assistance with setting up cleaning and disinfection protocols that are in line with public health guidelines.

When your region reopens, be ready!

Having an adequate supply of the appropriate cleaning and disinfection products can help.²

© 2020 The Clorox Company

References:

1. Government of Canada. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Measures to reduce COVID-19 in your community. August 10, 2020.
2. Public Health Agency of Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada. Risk mitigation tool for workplaces/businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. July 20, 2020.
4. Infection Prevention and Control of Canada National and International Guidance documents. Accessed August 10, 2020.
5. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Pandemic (COVID-19) Tip Sheets. August 11, 2020.
6. Retail Council of Canada. Standard Operating Procedure COVID-19 Routine Cleaning and Disinfecting with Checklist Recommendation for Retailers. April 27, 2020.
7. The Hospital for Sick Children. COVID Guidance for school reopening. July 29, 2020.
8. World Health Organization. Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19. March 3, 2020.
9. Retail Council of Canada. Standard Operating Procedure COVID-19 Incident Reporting Checklist Recommendation for Retailers. May 20, 2020.
10. Health Canada. Personal protective equipment (COVID-19): Overview July 21,2020.