What do we do if there is a suspected or confirmed case of Coronavirus / COVID-19 in an employee or visitor to my facility?

CatRec relies on the CDC for best practices guidance in dealing with suspected or confirmed Coronavirus / COVID-19 infections within a structure.

The CDC recommends first removing the infected person from the structure. Ensure that the infected person is wearing a mask, then move the person outside via their route of entry or through the closest exit (if that will not risk further exposure to staff). Following that, evacuate the areas that the person visited, removing employees from the quananteened area. Call CatRec and our IICRC certified disinfection experts can go to work making your facility safe again.

Room foggers have been effective at disinfecting some viruses and bacteria, however the CDC currently does not recommend the process for dealing with Coronavirus / COVID-19. The preferred CDC disinfection protocol is a two-step process beginning with a thorough surface cleaning followed by disinfection with an EPA Registered disinfectant with broad / emerging virus kill claims.

How long can the virus stay in the air? How long can the virus survive on a surface? Can we just quarantine the area and wait for the virus to die?

According to some CDC reports, the Coronavirus / COVID-19 virus can be detected in airflow for as long as 3 hours after being aerosolized and up to 17 days on some surfaces. It is not currently known how much of the virus material is required to contract or spread COVID-19, nor has the CDC issued guidance as to how long to quarantine an area infected by COVID-19.

Can employees be directed to disinfect a commercial or public structure with Coronavirus / COVID-19 contamination?

There are currently no restrictions against an employer cleaning and disinfecting their own facility. There are, however, regulatory requirements that must be met for the disinfection of commercial and public structures to be in compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations. These include the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), proper disposal of potentially infected waste to prevent reinfection or cross-contamination, and use of broad kill disinfectants with emerging virus claims recommended by the EPA.

OSHA has issued information on preparing facilities and employees for proper COIVD-19 / Coronavirus preparedness - Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. To discuss a strategy for dealing with possible infection, call the IICRC certified experts at CatRec today.

Are there HVAC recommendations to follow in a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 for commercial or public structures?

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has published a FAQ that addresses Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns regarding the operation of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems in commercial and public structures, as well as recommendations on airflow. Learn more here via ASHRAE: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/frequently-asked-questions-faq

Will an air purifier or ozone generator protect me and others from a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 / Coronavirus in my structure?

No. The EPA does not recommend relying on an air purifier to protect from COVID-19 for residential use, and does not recommend ozone generators for any occupied spaces.
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/will-air-purifier-protect-me-and-my-family-covid-19-my-home
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/will-ozone-generator-protect-me-and-my-family-covid-19