Planning To Reopen - Identify What Needs To Be Cleaned

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

This is the fourth installment in a series of blogs that we hope will help our communities begin to prepare for the state of Massachusetts to reopen. Please keep in mind the purpose of these CDC guidelines are to serve as a foundation for your planning. 

Determine what needs to be cleaned

According to the CDC some surfaces only need to be cleaned with soap and water. For example, surfaces and objects that are not frequently touched should be cleaned and do not require additional disinfection. Additionally, disinfectants should typically not be applied on items used by children, especially any items that children might put in their mouths. Many disinfectants are toxic when swallowed. In a household setting, cleaning toys and other items used by children with soap and water is usually sufficient. Find more information on cleaning and disinfection toys and other surfaces in the childcare program setting at CDC’s Guidance for Childcare Programs that Remain Open.

These questions will help you decide which surfaces and objects will need normal routine cleaning.

Outdoor Areas

Generally, outdoor areas require normal routine cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Spraying disinfectant on sidewalks and in parks is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public. You should maintain existing cleaning and hygiene practices for outdoor areas.Certain outdoor areas and facilities, such as bars and restaurants, may have additional requirements. More information can be found on FDA’s website on Food Safety and COVID-19.

According to the CDC no evidence has been shown suggesting that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread directly to humans from water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. The CDC recommends proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (chlorine or bromine) of pools, hot tubs, spas, and water playgrounds to ensure safe usage. However, there are additional concerns with outdoor areas that may be maintained less frequently, including playgrounds, or other facilities located within local or state parks. For more information, visit CDC’s website on Visiting Parks & Recreational Facilities.

The 7 Day Guidleine

If your workplace, school, or business has been unoccupied for 7 days or more, it will only need your normal routine cleaning to reopen the area. This is because the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than this time.

Keep in mind that there are many public health considerations, not just COVID-19 related, when reopening public buildings and spaces that have been closed for extended periods. For example, take measures to ensure the safety of your building water system. 

We will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC to follow to prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Specialized Training

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!