Covid-19 decontamination remains vital in certain workplaces and public spaces, such as hospitals, offices, and public transport.
Throughout May, we’ve all been getting used to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and to venues around the country opening up again. But of course, it’s right to be cautious, especially in light of new more transmissible variants of the virus becoming more prevalent. So we still need to undertake Covid-19 decontaminations where positive cases have been identified, as well as more generalised deep cleaning and disinfection. In time, Covid-19 will become endemic, and we can address the virus with more standard infection control. In the meantime, we have to stand ready to move fast and deliver comprehensive decontaminations. In this blog, we’re going to focus on three keys areas where our decontamination service can help: healthcare settings, offices and public transport networks.
Covid-19 decontaminations when someone tests positive on-site
We know that deep cleaning and decontamination are some of the most effective tools in the arsenal of measures to combat the threat of Covid-19. Where people don’t have the option to work at home, it’s vital to ensure the highest possible standards of hygiene in their workplaces and on public transport networks. Our four-step infection control methodology remains robust in maintaining health and safety and restricting surface transmission. We test to make sure we’re focusing on the highest-risk areas, using ATP testing. We clean to remove the dirt and dust which can harbour the virus (and other pathogens). We disinfect, deploying viricides and decontamination methods that are proven effective against SARS-CoV2. And we test again to give confidence that we’ve removed all pathogens. Let’s look in more detail at three particular settings where this approach is critical.
Hospitals and healthcare settings
Hospitals and other healthcare settings have been under tremendous pressure during the pandemic, and hygiene has been especially important during this period. Of course, ‘hot’ wards, where staff are treating Covid-positive patients, require the highest-level of PPE and strictest cleaning protocols. But beyond those wards, we’re on hand to undertake deep cleaning and decontamination, if people have tested positive for Covid-19 in a particular zone. This includes all clinical services, such as operating theatres, endoscopy, imaging and scanning, rehabilitation and general wards. And we look after public non-clinical areas such as waiting rooms, reception areas, toilets and washrooms, and corridors.
Offices and commercial buildings
Even those offices which have been shuttered are beginning to open up in this next phase of the pandemic. The main message of ‘hands, face, space’ remains as important as ever in these settings, and many offices are coming up with innovative ways of ensuring that people can maintain distance. But such practices as hot-desking make it all the more important to respond to workers being identified as Covid-positive. For instance, in the event that you have an on-site lateral flow testing programme, you need protocols for someone testing positive. It’s worth having dedicated areas for any Covid-positive people to be in (including toilet facilities), to limit the risks of transmission and make decontamination more effective.
Public transport networks
The public transport networks have been quieter, and many people have been able to avoid traditional rush-hour travel. But as the rest of the economy opens up, and trains and busses become busier, risks of transmission rise. Given the transient nature of interactions on public transport, Covid-19 decontamination in this setting is less reactive and more preventive. Transport operators are undertaking regular decontaminations regardless of whether anyone has been identified as Covid-positive. Once more, face coverings are still helpful in limiting the spread, especially for stopping asymptomatic people form shedding virus. And it’s vital for operators to keep getting that message across.
Let’s all adopt an infection control culture
Indeed, across all these different settings, we always encourage our clients to adopt an infection control culture. This needs broader buy-in around personal and corporate responsibility for good hygiene. There are some clear steps that any employer can take to limit the risks associated with Covid-19 (as well as other pathogens):
• Encourage workers, service users and customers to practice good hand hygiene, by washing with hot water and soap. We know that alcohol hand gels do not kill all viruses, although they are useful in some instances, including for limiting the spread of Covid-19.
• Promote a general culture of safety, including not reporting to work if sick (and self-isolating after being in contact with someone who is Covid-positive).
• Guarantee availability of washrooms and handwashing supplies.
• Perform routine housekeeping, as well as more rigorous cleaning and disinfection regimes.
To find out more about REACT Specialist Cleaning and our ongoing approach to Covid-19 decontaminations in a variety of workplaces and public spaces, contact one of the team today.
Telephone: 01283 550 503
Email: info@reactplc.co.uk
Website: www.reactsc.co.uk
Post by Shaun D. Doak
Shaun is the CEO of REACT Group plc., a business dedicated to specialist cleaning, hygiene and decontamination. He is deeply committed to making sure that every one of our company’s clients receives the highest possible level of service. An expert in HVAC and commercial and industrial cleaning methodologies, Shaun has extensive experience in the facilities management and renewable services sector.