On April 5th, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Rather than a blanket recommendation to disinfect all surfaces, the updated guidance narrows its recommendation to a limited number of specific conditions in which disinfection is necessary.
According to CDC scientists, the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus occurs primarily through direct contact and airborne transmission between infected and non-infected individuals. Surface, or fomite transmission, has been acknowledged as a possible mode of coronavirus infection, but the likelihood of it occurring in most situations is relatively low.
When Should You Disinfect Surfaces?
Over the past year, demand for commercial disinfectant products like Chlorox wipes and Lysol spray has increased by over 500%. But according to the CDC, cleaning surfaces once a day with soap and water is already sufficient to safely remove viruses in most cases.
However, there are certain situations where proper disinfection with EPA-registered disinfectants is explicitly recommended. Per the updated guidance from the CDC, you should properly disinfect surfaces when:
- If someone is sick or has tested positive for COVID-19 in your home or facility within the last 24 hours
- If there is a high transmission rate of COVID-19 in your community
- If there is a low number of people wearing face masks
- If there is infrequent or insufficient access to hand hygiene
- If your space is occupied by certain populations at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19
For indoor settings, homes, and facilities that meet one or more of the above criteria, it’s important to maintain rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols. Identify high-touch surfaces and follow usage labels carefully when using disinfectant products.
With more than 40% of adults in the U.S. now vaccinated, we’re all hopeful that things will return to normal soon. Until then, we must continue to be vigilant in order to protect ourselves, our families, our coworkers, and our customers from COVID-19.