Total Restoration’s Infection Control Team specializes in containment, decontamination, monitoring and testing to provide our clients with safer, and healthier facilities. Our team can assist managers of facilities and businesses return to operations in post-lockdown environment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are several known coronaviruses that infect people and usually only cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold. However, at least two previously identified coronaviruses have caused severe disease — severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. Recent problematic strains include Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
The symptoms of coronavirus are different from a cold/flu. The coronavirus usually appears between two and 14 days after exposure. People who have coronavirus often feel some or all of these symptoms: mild to severe respiratory illness, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
The virus, per the CDC, most often is spread from person-to-person with close contacts (about 6 feet).
“Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.”
Back on Track: Industry Guidelines
Back on Track: What’s Open, What’s Closed
WTHR – March 6, 2020 – First confirmed coronavirus case in Indiana
WTHR – March 5, 2020 – Indy Company Invited to White House to Talk Coronavirus
CDC: Center for Disease Control Coronavirus Homepage
Humidity levels too low, viruses and bacteria can thrive. Check and maintain air filters to reduce the spread of unclean air. Your body can put up a better fight against illness when you’re warm.
Keep frequently touched common surfaces such as counters, copiers, telephones and computers clean. Avoid touching the nose, mouth and eyes to prevent the spread of germs.
If employees have the symptoms of the flu, it is recommended that they stay at home for at least 24 hours after their fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) ends.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve. Throw the used tissue away immediately.
Have a Decontamination Contractor in mind and their number handy if any of your employees is suspected of having or is confirmed of having the novel coronavirus.
Initial Inspection & Assessment of the facility and development of a response plan
Staging and designation of resources per the response plan
Once contacted, Total Restoration would dispatch personnel and equipment to begin decontamination activities as directed by the Response Plan and the facility’s management
Clearance sampling to be completed by a third-party industrial hygienist to ensure satisfaction and thorough completion of decontamination