Since the December outbreak in Wuhan, China, the new coronavirus has spread rapidly, with more than 294,000 confirmed cases in 186 countries as of mid March. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19 seems to be spreading in the community in certain affected geographic areas. As with any virus, however, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
How to clean and Disinfect your Home ?
Cleaning and Disinfecting
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.
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.
Disinfecting
HIGH TOUCH SURFACES
Door knobs
Calling bell( door bells)
Elevators switches
Remote control
Switches
Pen, Torch
Mobile phones
Arm rest of chairs, Dining Table
WHAT IS CONTACT TIME?
Minimum time the disinfectant needs to be in contact with the surface for maximum effectiveness.
Recommended Contact time is atleast 10 minutes
Follow Manufacturers guideline on need for water based rinse off.
RINSE OFF THE DISINFECTANT FROM SURFACE ONLY AFTER 10 minutes
RECOMMENDED HOME BASED DISINFECTANTS FOR COVID-19
HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTION (Any bleach solution)
Example of Common household disinfectant - Harpic, Chlorox
Look in ingredient list- Sodium Hypochlorite
Recommended concentration 0.5 percent and more
Can be made at home with bleaching powder ( Caution advised)
Bleach can corrode metal surfaces and plastic; caution advised
RECOMMENDED HOME BASED DISINFECTANTS FOR COVID-19
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
Example of common household Disinfectant – Lyzol
Look in ingredients – Benzalkonium Chloride
Can be corrosive on fragile surfaces- caution advised
RECOMMENDED HOME BASED DISINFECTANTS FOR COVID-19
ALCOHOL BASED DISINFECTANT
Alcohol based hand rub containing more than 60 percent ethanol or 70 percent propyl alcohol
Can be used for electronic equipment; computer screens, mobile phones
WHEN CLEANING FLOOR..
Floor needs to be cleaned and disinfected atleast once daily
Follow manufacture's guideline in diluting the product.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS DURING DISINFECTING
Use disposable gloves when disinfecting- either examination gloves or normal household gloves.
Hand wash after disinfecting
DILUTE WHEN CLEANING FLOOR, USE UNDILUTED ON HIGH TOUCH SURFACES
Maintain well ventilated rooms while disinfecting with home made bleach mixture
Disinfect high touch surfaces as frequently as possible
DON’T MIX DISINFECTANTS.
HAND WASHING
Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
KEY TIMES TO CLEAN HANDS include:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating or preparing food
After contact with animals or pets
Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
Reference
WHO Interim guidance on Home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection presenting with mild symptoms, and management of their contacts- Who.int. 2020. Home Care For Patients With COVID-19 Presenting With Mild Symptoms And Management Of Their Contacts. [online] Available at: <https://www.who.int/publications-detail/home-care-for-patients-with-suspected-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-presenting-with-mild-symptoms-and-management-of-contacts> [Accessed 20 March 2020].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Environmental Cleaning And Disinfection Recommendations. [online] Available at:<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html> [Accessed 20 March 2020].
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