Kids, Toys, & Naps Create Unique COVID-19 Challenges
Running daycares or afterschool programs filled with rambunctious kids has never been easy, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Because child care centers often cater to working parents, these sites are especially important to our communities and our city.
Now, as businesses reopen in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the challenges of keeping kids safe and healthy while offering them a space to learn and play are even greater.
The Do’s of Disinfection (CDC Guidelines)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance for child-care facilities that aim to stay open during the COVID-19 crisis.
Among its recommendations are to “intensify cleaning and disinfection efforts.” For daycare centers, this means an uptick in measures such as:
- constructing cleaning and disinfection schedules
- cleaning and sanitizing toys and games
- cleaning and disinfecting bedding
- cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, classroom sink handles, countertops, nap pads, toilet training potties, desks, chairs, cubbies, and playground structures.
Because these regulations are so stringent, you might consider opting for a professional disinfection service to address these mandates. Daycare centers have lots of nooks and crannies, including lockers, cubbies, and closets, as well as restrooms and offices.
These centers also may have aquaria, plants, and other organic entities, which would require temporary removal before the disinfection process.
An environmental health and safety company such as Green Orchard Group can address these components with a three-pronged approach comprising:
- electrostatic and atomized fogging
- HEPA air exchanging
- wiping down with a residual disinfectant solution
Making Daycares and Afterschool Programs Safe and Healthy
Our disinfection process starts with a thorough application of safe, plant-based disinfectant throughout the entire area. Our atomized foggers generate a mist of ultra-fine, electrically-charged disinfecting droplets that are attracted to all surfaces to eliminate the coronavirus.
At the same time, we use industrial air scrubbers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove potential contaminants from the air, which makes the disinfection process extremely quick, efficient, and allows for safe and immediate re-entry.
This dual method of fogging and air exchanging is commonly used by major airlines like Delta and Singapore Airlines to quickly and effectively disinfect airplane cabins in between flights.
As the last step, our disinfection professionals carefully wipe down all frequently-touched surfaces with a residual disinfectant solution that protects against pathogens for up to six months.
Peace of Mind for Staff, Parents, and Kids
Precautionary disinfection while reopening is a responsible choice, and letting your staff, parents, and kids know that your facility has been safely disinfected can go a long way in providing peace of mind during these unprecedented times.
In addition, implementing other protective measures such as social distancing, face masks, partitions, and regular hand-washing can help further mitigate the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus.
Contact Green Orchard today to find out more about how we can address your concerns with an affordable and effective disinfection program.