In accordance with public health recommendations, the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ is taking measures to prevent community spread of COVID-19, which includes undertaking specific cleaning and disinfection protocols.
General Guidance
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Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as desks and chairs, tables, public restrooms, exercise & weight room, library tables, handrails, faucets, door handles and push plates, remote controls, shared computers and keyboards, light switches, elevator buttons. Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting with attention to these areas helps remove bacteria and viruses, including the novel coronavirus.
Safety Guidelines During Cleaning and Disinfection
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Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting. Gloves should be discarded after each use. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
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Wear eye protection when there is a potential for splash or splatter to the face.
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Gowns or aprons are recommended to protect personal clothing.
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Store chemicals in labeled, closed containers. Keep them in a secure area away from children and food. Store them in a manner that prevents tipping or spilling.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Surfaces
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Cleaning surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled is the first step in the disinfection process. If surfaces are dirty to sight or touch, they should be cleaned using an approved cleaning solution prior to disinfection.
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Clean and disinfect surfaces as soon as possible in areas where a person with respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing, sneezing) was present.
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Use an EPA-registered disinfectant for use against the novel coronavirus. Refer to the list of products pre-approved for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens, or the list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2.
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If these products are unavailable, disinfect surfaces using an EPA- and DEC*- registered disinfectant labeled to be effective against rhinovirus and/or human Coronavirus. If these commercial products are unavailable, it is also acceptable to use a fresh 2% chlorine bleach solution (approximately 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 quart of water). Prepare the bleach solution daily or as needed.
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Label directions must be followed when using disinfectants to ensure the target viruses are effectively killed. This includes adequate contact times (i.e., the amount of time a disinfectant should remain on surfaces to be effective), which may vary between five and ten minutes after application. Disinfectants that come in a wipe form will also list effective contact times on their label.
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For disinfectants that come in concentrated forms, it is important to carefully follow instructions for making the diluted concentration needed to effectively kill the target virus. This information can be found on the product label.
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use of all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., dilution concentration, application method and contact time, required ventilation, and use of personal protective equipment). The disinfectant concentrations and contact time are critical for effective surfaces disinfection. Ensure that disinfectants are prepared in well-ventilated areas and handled safely, wearing the appropriate PPE to avoid chemical exposures. Review SDS sheets to potential health hazards and the recommended protective measures for common active disinfectant agents.
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Consult manufacturer recommendations on cleaning products appropriate for electronics. If no guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% ethyl alcohol. Use of alcohol-based products may reduce risk of damage to sensitive machine components. Whenever possible, consider using wipeable covers for electronics. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
The following products are effective for disinfection of hard, non-porous surfaces:
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EPA-registered disinfectant. Refer to the list of products pre-approved for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens, or the list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2.
For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes:
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Remove visible contamination (if present) and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.
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After cleaning, launder items (as appropriate) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.
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If laundering is not possible, use an EPA-registered disinfectant. Refer to the list of products pre-approved for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens, or the list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2.
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection after Notification of Confirmed Case of COVID-19
If a COVID-19 case is confirmed in the School, building custodial staff are required to follow the guidance Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection after Notification of Confirmed Case of COVID-19. This protocol is for cleaning and disinfection of areas where a person with COVID-19 spent time in school spaces. After notification of a person with confirmed COVID-19 on school property, the following cleaning and disinfecting protocol will be followed:
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Buildings and/or specific rooms and areas where a COVID-19 positive person spent time will be closed off.
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Staff will do the following (as applicable):
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Communicate the case to the Facilities Department.
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Identify areas that require restricted access during and immediately following enhanced cleaning.
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Coordinate with building administration.
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Communicate with impacted department(s).
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When cleaning and disinfecting rooms with increased surface area due to a large number of desks, tables, and other furniture, and where a spray application of disinfectant is needed; custodial staff will notify the building administration in advance if the spraying will occur during normal work hours. Advance notice allows the building occupants to be apprised of the schedule for disinfection of the space and any areas that may require restricted access during cleaning.
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The cleaning crew will:
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Open windows to the outside to increase air circulation, if possible.
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If possible, wait 24 hours after a person with COVID-19 was present in a space prior to beginning cleaning and disinfection. If it is not possible to wait 24 hours, wait as long as possible before you clean and disinfect. Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.
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If an outside contractor is used for cleaning and disinfection, the proposed scope of work, including the products and their respective safety data sheets (SDS’s), and application methods must be reviewed by the Facilities Director prior to work commencing.
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Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) during cleaning and disinfecting:
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Disposable gloves, gowns or a lab coat to protect cross contamination.
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Safety glasses/goggles when there is a potential for splashing/spraying the disinfectant.
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If entering the space less than 24 hours after the ill person was present, the cleaning crew should wear the following: N95 filtering facepiece respirator.
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