Infections in care homes and other social care settings can adversely affect the most vulnerable in society including those who provide care and support for them. With a prevalent virus which scientists are still learning about and a vaccine promised but not yet available to combat the spread, what control measures can Managers put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19?

​

The spread of COVID-19

​

COVID-19 has an incredibly fast reproduction rate with the droplets from coughing, sneezing and saliva droplets from human mouths spreading onto anything the droplets have contact with. When a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or talks, they may spread droplets containing the virus a short distance, and these droplets quickly settle on surrounding surfaces. This is called fomite transmission and surfaces include door handles, computer equipment, touch screens and handrails. You may get infected by the virus if you touch those surfaces or objects and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.

​

Research has found that the new coronavirus can last up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces and on cardboard for 24 hours. With this in mind, as we wait for the roll-out of the vaccines, the main advice to prevent COVID-19 is to practice stringent hygiene measures which include cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that people frequently touch.

​

Even when national restrictions are lifted, we are likely to continue to see waves of coronavirus infections for some time to come, particularly during winter months when people remain indoors for longer with less ventilation. It is therefore important to stay vigilant and continue using hygienic practices.

​

Decontamination

​

As part of the program to stop the spread of COVID-19, frequent high-level cleaning must include basics such as regular handwashing with soap and water, to cleaning high traffic areas and contact surfaces.

The simplest way to keep areas clean is by washing walls, mopping floors and cleaning desks and workstations, door handles etc. with anti-bacterial spray. However, sometimes this is not sufficient and a thorough deep clean is needed, particularly in areas which have been quarantined.

​

Fogging

​

Microbe Assassins Disinfection Service by Pest Assassins has several methods of deep cleaning. For deep disinfection of kitchens and extended to offices, care settings and industry, there is a method called fogging. This has been used in hospitals for dealing with MRSA. Fogging is the work of a specialist contractor using specialized products and cleaning methods.  Fogging uses an antiviral disinfectant solution  which cleans and sanitizes large areas of a building quickly and effectively. It can kill off the virus and other biological agents in the air and on surfaces. The task involves spraying a fine mist from a spray gun which is then left to evaporate, usually for 6 hours. The task requires the contactor to wear a chemical suit, gloves and an air fed ventilator and sealed mask etc. If using the fog, mist, vapor method, the contractor will need to ensure that the correct concentration of the active chemical is used. This means there is enough for it to work properly, but not so much as to leave a residue which may remain at unsafe levels for some time after treatment ends. The product used is safe on equipment such as printers, computers etc. as the mist is exceptionally fine but is still effective in penetrating all areas to kill off the virus. However, Microbe Assassins Disinfection Service by Pest Assassins will discuss this with the client. It may not, however, be suitable for rooms that are difficult to seal.