What Do I Need to Know about COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting?

The CDC has provided guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting your facilities. Recommendations for regular cleaning include:

• Using specified disinfectants for use against SARs-CoV-2.
• Wearing disposable gloves while cleaning.
• Routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects in public spaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Additional steps should be taken in the event of a workplace exposure, including:

• Waiting at least 24 hours from exposure to begin cleaning, if feasible.
• Closing off, cleaning, and disinfecting all areas used by the person who is sick.
• Temporarily turning off in-room HVAC units or fans so that particles do not circulate throughout the facility.

If it has been more than 7 days since exposure, this additional cleaning is not necessary. We recommend that you prepare for a potential exposure by identifying now who you will call to provide CDC-compliant cleaning, if necessary.

Keep in mind that these procedures are not absolutely required (unless otherwise required by state or local law) but are recommended as part of maintaining a safe workplace.