VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus. COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person. It is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on people who are nearby (within 6 feet). It may also be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces, especially those that are frequently touched (such as doorknobs, handles, tabletops, etc.) can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
When you clean use waterproof gloves, such as dishwashing gloves, because they protect you both from the virus and the cleaning chemicals. Use soap or detergent, warm water, clean towels. After cleaning with soap and water use a disinfectant. Follow instructions on the label. Be sure you have good ventilation. Note that many products recommend keeping the surface wet for a period of time (to kill the virus).
An easy and inexpensive disinfectant is bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix 4 teaspoons of bleach to 1 quart (4 cups) of water. For a larger supply, add 1/3 cup of bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. Use the solution within 20 minutes. Leave the solution on the surface for at least 1 minute. Be aware that some surfaces may be damaged by bleach.
Be sure to check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for ‘safe use on colored clothing’ or for ‘whitening’ may not be suitable for disinfection.
Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronavirus when properly diluted. Never mix household bleach with any other cleanser!
Other EPA-approved disinfectants may be used if they are effective against coronavirus. Consumers may contact the “1-800” number on the product label to find out its effectiveness against a specific infection.
Calls to US poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased recently by 20% because people may be using too strong a solution or mixing chemicals which is dangerous.
Prevent COVID-19 and clean safely:
*Follow label directions
*Don’t mix chemicals
*Wear protective gear
*Use in a well-ventilated area
*Store chemicals out of reach of kids
There are best-practices for keeping yourself and your home clean and corona-virus-free. Note that cleaning and disinfecting are two very different things The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends we do both, even if nobody in your home is sick.
*Cleaning is about removing contaminants from a surface.
*Disinfecting is about killing pathogens (harmful germs)
*Do both daily if anything or anyone has entered or exited your home.
Transmission from person-to-person is a much greater risk than transmission via surfaces, but the CDC recommends we clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in our homes at least once daily just to be safe, assuming we have had contact with the outside world in some way, either a person leaving and returning or goods coming in.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them first using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. For products that will kill the coronavirus see this website (near the bottom of the list): https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
Two brands that produce a number of products that are rated by the EPA to meet the criteria for use against COVID-19, ie to disinfect, are Clorox and Lysol.
· The website for Clorox products: https://www.clorox.com/resources/coronavirus/
· The website for Lysol products: https://www.lysol.com/healthy-home/understanding-coronavirus/
You can find most of these disinfectants at a local store or online at Amazon, although you may be limited to purchasing only one container.
It should be noted that there are other brands that also meet the EPA criteria, as well as 70% isopropol alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol and also hydrogen peroxide. However, alcohol such as beer, wine and hard liquor do not meet the EPA criteria for killing coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19 go to www.health.nd.gov and click on coronavirus (more information) or call their hotline at 1-866-207-2880 or contact City County Health District about any concerns or needs that you may have (845-8518)