Especially now. As we try to wrap our heads around the COVID-19 pandemic and the burgeoning information on how it all affects our lives, we should take comfort in what we know. The fact is surface cleanliness will halt the cross-contamination of this virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, while this is a relatively new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, COVID-19 can survive for hours and days on surfaces.
Understanding the spread
Infection can spread through direct person-to-person contact or person-to-surface-to-person contact. The respiratory virus spreads when those infected sneeze or cough. Here is where it gets interesting. The droplets land on everything up to 6 feet around the infected person. On other people, clothing, furniture, counters, faucets, computer screens and keyboards – just to name a few. Research shows the coronavirus can last between three hours and three days depending on the type of surface.
Most effective against powerful pathogens
Disinfect surfaces frequently but only after cleaning the surface with warm water and soap. The best disinfectant is bleach. The CDC recommends we clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. Cleaning removes contaminants, disinfecting kills pathogens. Studies show human coronaviruses could be “effectively inactivated” on surfaces within one minute if they are cleaned with bleach. Practicing stringent infection prevention protocols matters now more than ever. Solid surface seating, tables, and casegoods can withstand the harshest cleaning regimens – including bleach. Clean, clean, clean all surfaces. When we know what to do, it is imperative we act accordingly to stop the spread and save lives.