Now that the pandemic is two years old, we are all managing life with COVID-19. The CDC has updated their guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting facilities. This should be the focus of your janitorial staff as life with the disease will continue for the foreseeable future.
With the emergence of the new variant and our normal cold/flu season, these CDC recommendations will help prevent illness in your facility.
When to Clean and When to Disinfect
Routine cleaning and disinfecting are still the best way to keep your building open and safe for all its occupants. The CDC makes it clear how important it is to hire a BSC that trains its employees on the latest guidelines. That way you can be sure cleaning products and equipment is being used correctly.
There are areas, however, that you need to clean more frequently as the pandemic continues:
- High traffic areas
- Poorly ventilated rooms
- Areas with many occupants
Routine Cleaning Procedures
If you have not done so already, the CDC suggests that you develop a plan with your BSC for cleaning your facility during the pandemic. They also emphasize the importance of hiring a janitorial staff that is experienced in these procedures.
Implementing your routine cleaning plan is the single most important step you can take to keep your facility safe from COVID-19. Make sure that the potential problem areas, such as high-traffic and high-touch areas, are properly cleaned and disinfected by your staff.
The presence of a day porter, a clean appearance and proper trash removal are just a few of the services a good BSC like Supreme Maintenance Organization can provide your facility. This is the best way to make your employees, tenants and guests feel safe in your facility.
Outbreak Response Procedures
If an employee or guest tests positive after being in your facility, here are the recommended steps from the CDC:
- Close off the area
- Open doors and windows for ventilation
- Have the responding janitorial staff wear proper PPE
- Disinfect all surfaces
- Vacuum with HEPA filter vacuums
- Wait a minimum of 24 hours to reopen the area
This is a disruption to business as usual, but the proper response to one case can prevent an even bigger outbreak. The latest variants of COVID-19 are highly contagious, so taking the proper steps can prevent a serious reduction in productivity and sick days.
Additional Considerations From the CDC
Throughout the article linked in the introduction of this post, the CDC recommends hiring a staff that is experienced and well-trained. Supreme Maintenance Organization has been doing that from the beginning of the pandemic. Not only are SMO employees trained in the correct procedures, but they also understand how to use disinfecting chemicals and cleaning equipment properly.
It looks as though COVID-19 is here to stay. Don’t risk the safety of your employees and the productivity of your business, hire Supreme Maintenance Organization to handle all your janitorial needs.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation 800-717-4766!
