Many research studies were conducted ever since WHO declared the spread of coronavirus as a pandemic. Many of these studies focus on the duration that the virus survives on a variety of surfaces. According to scientists, the maximum number of days that the virus can stay active was five (5) days.
However, new research adds a question mark to the old ones. The latest research states that the virus can survive for up to twenty-eight (28) days on surfaces. Let us look into a few points about this research and see what safety precautions we can learn from this.
About the research
This research is from a team of scientists who belong to the Australian Centre for disease preparedness (ACDP) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO), which is the national science agency that backs this research.
Two research centers in Australia do a joint study to determine Covid-19 lifespan on surfaces. [Image courtesy of CSIRO-Australia]
COVID-19 remains on the surface for 28 days
The Australian research team states that COVID-19 can remain active on surfaces for twenty-eight days. This statement is valid for the following surfaces.
Glass surfaces, such as desks, tables and mobile phones
Stainless steel surfaces
Vinyl surfaces
Semi-porous surfaces such as paper, banknotes and cheques
The survival of the virus depends on temperature
The novel coronavirus can survive for a longer time in cold temperatures, which means that the virus can die faster during the summers due to warmer climates.
The survival of the virus also depends on the material of the surface
The virus can also remain for a longer duration on paper notes. Plastic notes or credit cards do not allow the virus to stay on for longer. Paper notes contain cotton or paper, which are more porous in comparison with plastic.
90% transmission via droplets & 10% via contact
The scientist says that the transmission occurs mostly by droplets. There is a higher chance of catching infection by coughing or sneezing than shaking hands.
Regardless of this, the practice of washing hands is still critical as it helps to reduce the 10% chance of transmission because of a handshake.
The coronavirus lives longer than Influenza Virus
The influenza virus is a type of virus that scientists already know a lot about. This is commonly known as the flu. It was also the cause of the Spanish flu of 1918, caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus. However, scientists believe that coronavirus lives longer than the influenza virus on surfaces.
What can we learn from such research?
Such research helps us to learn about the nature of the new virus. For example, the activeness of the virus on different surfaces also depends on the temperature. At 20 degrees centigrade, the virus can survive for twenty-eight days.
These surfaces include the mobile phones that we use. Hence, mobile phones can also become a significant source of transmission in today’s modern world. As the temperature increases, the survival time of the virus also decreases.
The current reopening of lock downs is allowing social interaction, which can increase the chances of the coronavirus spread. This virus can find its hidden spot in public areas, work places, shopping centers, and other environments, making it essential for these places to be properly sanitized and disinfected.
Such research will help in the development of strategies to reduce the risk of infection. Till then, we must continue the practice of regular hand washing and sanitizing of places where the chances of infection are prevalent because we have yet to know the amount of virus that causes the infection.
If we want to eradicate this pandemic, we need to ensure that our cleaning regimen is perfect. VIRUS DISINFECTING SERVICES, LLCnow offer additional antimicrobial protection called BIOPROTECT™. The patent-pending antimicrobial protectant and coating is designed to eradicate infectious viruses, bacteria and mold for up to 90 days on soft and hard surfaces. The chemical is water-based, EPA-approved and non-toxic. Click here to read the latest COVID-19 efficacy research studies. A strong believer in the antimicrobial treatment, Acme Paper & Supply Co., Inc. vice-president Andy Attman says, “BioProtect is a surface protectant. What that means is you put the product down after you disinfected the surface, and now that surface is protected for 60 days. Therefore, if someone sneezes on the surface, it doesn’t matter, you’ve protected that surface.”
VIRUS DISINFECTING SERVICES, LLC holds proper knowledge of disinfectants and sanitizing methods that ensure specialized services at affordable prices.
Image courtesy of i3 Biomedical Inc. (https://i3biomedical.com)
Covid-19 is causing massive disruption in terms of its spread and fatalities. Globally, every country is struggling to introduce new ways to combat the coronavirus.
According to researchers at the University of Toronto, and based on their latest laboratory results, they have confirmed that a face mask created by i3 Biomedical Inc., can deactivate the coronavirus. Operated by the U of T department of molecular genetics, in the Faculty of Medicine, the independent tests were headed by Professor Scott Gray-Owen. The state-of-the-art containment level 3 (CL3) lab was approached by i3 Biomedical Inc, to perform and test the efficacy of the new PPE mask.
The Quebec-based company released the mask on July 7th of this year. It is claimed as the world’s first anti-viral face mask. On the company website, it is sold under the trade name TrioMed™ Active Mask.
The idea behind this mask:
Since the start of the pandemic, many textile and technical industries have accelerated their production for PPEs and face masks. Most of the companies have used creative solutions such as lamination and coating technologies to create chemical and biological protection for individuals.
However, not all masks are created equal in stopping Covid-19. For example, there are huge protection differences between your typical fabric masks and the N95 masks.
N95 masks were capable of giving maximum protection against Covid-19, but they weren’t washable, which made them high on cost.
While fabric masks were washable, but they did not have enough capacity to protect against COVID-19.
The health field needed a product that could address these issues.
How can these new masks deactivate the virus?
The company says about the TrioMed™ Active Mask,
“We do not claim for these masks to kill the coronavirus, but still, it can deactivate this virus.”
Image courtesy of i3 Biomedical Inc. (https://i3biomedical.com)
How does it work?
This mask works on the same principle as washing your hands with soap. There are chemical reactions in regular soap which can easily deactivate the coronavirus present on your hands, fingers, and even body.
This company implemented the same idea into these face masks. They impregnated some specific chemicals into the face masks material to deactivate the virus.
The company went to three or four chemical manufacturing companies who were claiming to have products for deactivation of the virus.
These products were anti-microbial, but they were successful in deactivating the covid-19 virus as well.
The chemical which the company used is called HeiQ Viroblock. They combined it with other chemicals and fused it into the top fabric layer of the mask.
What are the other benefits of these masks?
Benefits and the features of the face mask include:
VFE (Viral filtration Efficiency) of more than 99.99 percent
BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) of over 99.99 percent
Active protection against microbes with an outer layer of masks is more than 99.99 percent
Meets Level 3 of ASTM F2100
Can easily meet the EN 14683 Type IIR European Medical Device Standard
This mask has five years of shelf-life
The cost of this mask is not high to make it available for the use of a common man.
According to the manufacturer, coronavirus takes about 3-5 minutes for deactivation.
Both polyester and cotton are used in the manufacturing of this mask. The most inner layer of the mask is of cotton. The next layer contains a chemical protection filter layer not to make contact with the skin. The outer layer of the mask comprises the HeiQ Viroblock layer of chemicals.
The TrioMed™ Active Mask is designed for one time single use. It is non-washable, and considered a medical mask. It is projected to be used within a typical 8hr shift.
Conclusion:
Virus Disinfecting Services (VDS™) will be providing these new masks to all of the service technicians and field agents. With the latest technical achievements in the biomedical sector, these masks will help create another layer of protection to all employees, the health care professionals and laboratory technicians to fight against COVID-19 outbreaks. The new face mask is cost-effective, innovative, and capable of deactivating coronavirus.
Potentially deadly pathogens in the public and private environments call for immediate disinfection services. A new and advanced infection, named COVID-19, has created an urgency for businesses and individuals to seek disinfection services offered by VIRUS DISINFECTING SERVICES, LLC (VDS™). With spread of new aggressive pathogens, service-providers such as VDS™ hold excellent knowledge and expertise in the field of disinfection.
COVID-19 is spreading at an alarming rate, hence, requiring high-quality disinfection services to mitigate against the spread of this communicable disease. Disinfection services operator such as VDS™ holds sufficient knowledge of disinfectants procedures and methods and uses them properly to yield excellent results. There are only a few service-providers who hold certification in the field that ensures 100% results against certain pathogens.
When looking for experts who can provide guaranteed results against COVID-19 and other human life hazardous communicable diseases; for utmost protection against the disease, certification is proof that VDS™ technicians are experts in the field and how much they understand disinfection techniques.
VDS™ Owner Tu A. Le exiting a residential property that was just sanitized and disinfected due to a recent Covid-19 outbreak.
NIDS Environmental Disinfecting Certification
Tu A. Le, the owner of VIRUS DISINFECTING SERVICES, LLC recently completed his specialization in environmental disinfection. He stands among a small list of individuals in the State of California who holds the certification from the National Institute of Decontamination Specialists (NIDS).
Mr Le states, “Our knowledge in the field is enhanced and improved after receiving the certification, which enables us to manage certain outbreaks and pandemic with distinction. We have a team of elite technicians who understands their job and offer high-quality services to clients.”
Our Advanced Methods of Environmental Sanitation
The certification involves hands-on training that equipped us with the latest technology and methods of disinfection. Furthermore, it enhances our knowledge of disinfectants and ensures we use the most current and effective approaches that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against certain pathogens. The certification helps in improving the knowledge regarding pathogens as well, which is extremely helpful in tackling a variety of pathogens. The certification further helps with disinfecting dwelling such as hospitals, parks, offices, houses, and much more.
VDS™follows a stringent but efficient technique when working in a hospital environment. Our company uses electrostatic spraying technology in hospitals to remove hospital-acquired infections (HAI). For example, in conjunction with our EPA List N. approved disinfectants, the dwell/kill time for stubborn pathogenic spores such as C. diff is only 4 minutes (based on a 4306 ppm concentration). Therefore, we are able to quickly disinfect the whole vicinity in time for the next room patient. Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is the leading cause of nosocomial infectious diarrhea worldwide. This is just one treatment, whereas we use other sanitizing treatments in conjunction with this one for excellent results.
Why Is Disinfection Necessary?
Disinfection is the quickest and easiest way to rid an environmental of potentially human pathogen hazards. It keeps overall dwelling clean and healthy. As COVID-19 is infecting millions of people in the world, a proper disinfection technique can assist in ridding of infectious pathogens in no time. Our certification enables us to use proper disinfectants that work against this stubborn pathogen. Our experts in the team are here for you to provide you exceptional services with 100% effectiveness.
Contact Us
Call VIRUS DISINFECTING SERVICES, LLC now and hire a team of professional experts to disinfect your hospital, daycare, school, park, office, restaurant, or any dwelling at affordable prices. You can contact our team of experts who are available 24/7 to help you.
The effects of the CoronaVirus are widespread. A single virus has brought down the entire structure of society as we all are aware of it. Businesses are now in a state of dilemma. They are wondering about the specific insurance possibilities to combat this unprecedented situation. The revenue loss, accountability of the employee’s health, and welfare remain important issues. These issues are the top priority of every business around the globe.
Insurance Options for Businesses
The effectiveness of a policy depends on how well it works in various situations. Below is a summary of some strategies that may help businesses deal with this pandemic.
Environmental Policies
Environmental policies come to mind almost immediately when dealing with a virus outbreak. However, there is a certain limitation on these types of policies. Furthermore, these would require a thorough review to ensure maximum coverage. A general environmental policy includes coverage of bodily injury and property damage. However, these policies are often tailor-made. The majority of these are according to the exposure to risks of a company/business.
COVID-19 Specific Environmental Policy
In the case of a pandemic like the COVID-19, a policy for ‘decontamination Expenses’ may come into play. This coverage would cover the cost of decontaminating a specific site post-disinfection. In this case, coverage may not be fit for COVID-19.
But, it is difficult to utilize this policy to face unexpected situations in a business. However, it may still apply to the loss of expenses due to disinfection and contamination.
Health Specific Environmental Policy
This policy works for all those workers who have coverage for healthcare policy. The policy limits itself to cover only bodily injury. It also only applies to those employees who are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. However, insurance will cover the third person infected by the worker.
Event Cancellation Insurance
Many events have undergone cancellation due to the pandemic. Such event organizing businesses have suffered a lot during these difficult times. This insurance policy covers all the losses arising from the cancellation of events.
Event Cancellation in the Case of COVID-19
Although coverage may depend on the limitations of the policy, certain companies consider this and will offer coverage, whereas, some may not. It includes a cancellation that was not in control of the organizer. This policy does not extend to the lack of popularity of an event under any circumstances.
Travel Cancellation and Business Travel Coverage in the Case of Accidents
Another widely affected industry is the travel industry. The Travel Cancellation Policy no longer includes ‘CoronaVirus’ in their coverage.
Policy for Travelers
Limiting the coverage still has some opportunities for travelers. Travelers will get coverage if they are suffering from COVID-19 due to travel. Also, 24/7 services are available globally to passengers who wish to travel back home.
Policy for Business Travelers
The ‘Business Travel Accident Policy’ covers expenses in case of illness. This illness also includes infectious diseases. The policy also provides coverage for trip cancellations. These cancellations should be in the case of the passenger being too ill to travel.
‘Trip Interruption Coverage’ covers the passenger unable to travel. It may even be due to restrictions by the government. It applies well to the lockdown imposed in various countries across the globe.
Conclusion
There is no concept of ‘one policy fits all’. Primarily in an unprecedented situation like the coronavirus. Businesses must review their policies thoroughly so that they can ensure protection against possible losses arising from this pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic is a global problem; the virus has limited everyone to his or her households. Many people are working from home which means that the majority of the workplaces are shut down until further notice.
Offices and workplaces are a significant cause of concern for the professionals. It is because different people are coming to work under a single roof. It is the ideal place where a virus can spread rapidly. Hence, it is the responsibility of the business owners to disinfect the place in order to prevent viral transmission of the virus.
What Does CDC Suggest About Disinfection of Workplaces?
CDC recommends cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces at the workplace, especially the high touch surfaces like
Tables
Doorknobs or handles
Light Switches
Countertops
Handles
Desks
Phones
Keyboards
Toilets
Faucets
Sinks
A trained VDS™ technician electrostatically spraying disinfecting solution to workspace desktops and equipment.
Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?
Cleaning is the practice of washing all surfaces with soap and water. It is something that we do in the routine. On the other hand, disinfecting is a much thorough cleaning process. It involves the use of disinfectants or chemicals that are EPA registered.
Procedure for Disinfection
To disinfect the soft surfaces, clean those with EPA registered disinfectants. Consider sending whatever is possible to laundry by taking certain precautions.
Electronic Surfaces
These include:
Tablets
Touch screens
Keyboards
Remove controls
ATMs
These areas are challenging to clean. It is because of the crevices between the buttons. Do not use soap or water to disinfect. Use 70% alcohol to clean these surfaces. Make sure to dry it carefully.
Laundry
These include:
Clothing
Towel
Linen or others
Launder all the above items in warm water and dry them. When you are handling the laundry of a sick person, avoid shaking it. You can then clean these items using the guidelines for disinfecting soft surfaces. Laundry of items is only useful for workplaces where the employees work overnight.
The VDS™ team can disinfect large areas and get your business back up and running right away.
Why Are Disinfection Services Important?
The guidelines by the CDC about the disinfection of the workplace require extreme care. There are several things to look after when disinfecting the workplace. Here is where the disinfection services come in. Below are some reasons why their services are important
Trained professionals
An untrained person will not know how or what to do in such a case. Such people are not aware of what disinfectant to use. Furthermore, they will not be able to disinfect the workplace properly. People at disinfection services are highly trained in this field. They know the standard procedures and guidelines to do the task. These people are well aware of all the prerequisites of disinfecting the workplace. Overall, they are professionals of the disinfection procedure.
Handling the disinfectants
There are many hazards to handling disinfectants. The list for EPA registered disinfectants has its lists of hazards. If you do not follow precautions, then it can lead to some severe negative results. People disinfecting the workplace must know about OSHA’s hazard standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). But luckily, the people at disinfection services know about these standards as well. They will perform the entire process by considering these standards.
Safety for the employees at the workplace
The people at disinfection services not only disinfect the workplace. They are well aware of how to reduce side effects due to exposure to the disinfectants. Hence, they are careful about not leaving any residues behind. Additionally, these people also provide your employees with knowledge about the disinfection procedure. Employees more aware of the procedure can practice cleaning at home as well.
CONCLUSION
Disinfection is a tedious procedure. If you do not perform it carefully, it can lead to the spread of the virus in the workplace. Disinfection services, on the other hand, are professionals in their field. They are well aware of all the standard requirements and practices. Therefore, we should always prefer to hire companies that provide disinfection services over non-standard ways of disinfection.
COVID-19 is the new pandemic that everybody is talking about. We hear experts suggest that we wash our hands regularly. They also suggest cleaning disinfect houses. Furthermore, the CDC recommends paying special attention to high touch surfaces around us. Hence, people are doing so in their homes. But, people forget about the one thing that is also a high touch surface, our vehicles that can be the source of transmission of the virus.
Vehicles may be the only means of transport for many people. They are still using these to get essential items or to go to their offices. According to a research study, only a small percentage of Americans clean their cars once a year. Another surprising fact is that 12% of the Americans have never cleaned the inside of their vehicles.
HIGH TOUCH SURFACES IN YOUR CAR
High Touch Surfaces are not only present in your home. These are also present on the inside of your car. Sit down in your car and pay attention to its detail. Look around the interior and find out the places that you often touch. Examples of high touch surfaces inside your vehicle include:
Steering Wheel
Door Handles
Shift and Gear Lever
Buttons
Touch Screens
Wipers
Indicator signals
Armrests
Grab handles
Levers to adjust seats
You must disinfect all these areas to stop the spread of infection.
SPECIAL POINTS TO CONSIDER
Cleaning the interior of your car is a challenging job. You need to be careful not to ruin any of the material. It is suggested to avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the interior of the vehicles. Examples of such disinfectants include bleach or hydrogen peroxide. It is better to use a 70% alcohol solution to clean the interiors. Soap and water can also be used to clean the interiors as well. When cleaning electronics, it’s better to read the safety manual before disinfecting.
PERSONAL PROTECTION IS IMPORTANT
Make sure that you wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting your vehicles. Disinfectants are harsh chemicals. Therefore, it is essential that you properly ventilate the car. You can open the windows and doors for this purpose. After cleaning and disinfection, remove the gloves and discard them immediately. Wash your hands properly. Make sure that you do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with dirty hands.
STEPS TO DISINFECT YOUR VEHICLE
Hard non-porous surfaces include:
Armrests
Hard seats
Door handles
Seat belt buckles
Grab handles
The soft porous surface includes seats and any other fabric present inside your vehicle. Soap and water should be used to clean both types of surfaces. Then disinfect the surface with a disinfectant that you have.
In the case of electronic surfaces, remove the dirt with the help of a dry cloth. If the manual states, then you can use alcohol wipes for disinfection as well.
CONCLUSION
If you are using your vehicle to commute, then make a schedule for cleaning the interior of the vehicles. If you are sharing cars, always make sure that you have hand sanitizers inside. It will allow everyone to disinfect his or her hands properly. Moreover, you will not have to worry about the frequent disinfection of your car.
