Information about Environmental Controls for the Virus that Causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Offices and Schools

Every day, public health officials are learning more about the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).  Here is the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about cleaning and disinfecting non-health care settings like offices and schools.

It may be possible to get COVID-19 disease by touching a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touching your own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.  The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

The CDC does not recommend special disinfection of surfaces in workplaces or schools. They do recommend routine cleaning, hand hygiene, covering your cough, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Perform Routine Cleaning

• Routinely clean surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, and phones 
• Use general cleaning products that you normally use.  Detergent based products are effective cleansers. Always follow product label directions.
  Note: Never mix ammonia and bleach– the combination is highly toxic!
• Adequate cleaning supplies should  be provided, such as disposable wipes that staff, students and employees can use to wipe down commonly used surfaces

 Additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is not recommended.

If you choose to undergo an additional step with disinfectant, make sure that you: 

• Clean the surface first to remove dirt, grime, etc. 
• Next, apply a disinfectant and follow directions on the label for the amount of time to let it sit on the surface. Choose a disinfectant with a label that displays an EPA registration number and states that it is effective against Coronaviridae. The virus causing COVID-19 disease belongs to this family of viruses.

 Resources:

CDC:

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 

• Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020

OSHA:

• COVID-19 Control and Prevention

CT DPH:

• Cleaning and Disinfecting Indoor Spaces

CT DPH Contacts:

• Infectious Disease Questions: Epidemiology Program, 860-509-7994
• Cleaning & Disinfection Questions: Environmental & Occupational Health Assessment Program, 860-509-7740