As containing the spread of COVID-19 continues to be a top priority, healthcare facilities have stepped up disinfection protocols to protect both patients and staff. Although the virus is predominantly spread through droplets in the air, it may also be transferred via contaminated surfaces. Once transferred to hands, gloves, medical equipment, or shoes, it can then spread to any other surface touched by these contaminated items. In addition to limiting exposure by wearing masks, donning gloves, and other protective measures, frequently disinfecting surfaces can help reduce the spread of the virus through contact.

Ongoing Deep Disinfection 

Regular cleaning, disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities has always been standard. During this growing pandemic, deep disinfection is happening even more frequently, particularly in spaces where patients with known or suspected COVID-19 illness have been present.

Because coronaviruses can remain active on many types of surfaces, it’s important to continually clean and disinfect them, including hard-to-reach areas. This can be achieved by spraying an approved disinfectant not only on surfaces that are frequently touched, but also on surfaces that are less accessible but still may be contaminated.

In addition to the CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, the CDC has also released Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings, which includes environmental infection control measures such as:

• • Using dedicated medical equipment for infected patients
  • Ensuring that cleaning and disinfecting protocols are followed correctly and consistently 
  • Following routine cleaning and disinfection procedures
  • Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
    
    

How to Disinfect Surfaces Contaminated by the Coronavirus

COVID-19 is a new virus, so there are no existing tests to prove efficacy of disinfectants for this particular strain. However, because this new coronavirus is similar to other types of viruses, products that are effective against these similar viruses are suitable for disinfecting surfaces in a healthcare setting. 

The EPA has created a list of approved disinfectants for use against COVID-19. D7, which is approved for use against norovirus, is on this list and can also make the Emerging Viral Pathogen Claim. This means that the product has demonstrated efficacy against another type of virus (in this case, norovirus) that is harder to kill than the coronavirus.

D7 and Surface Disinfection

D7 qualifies for emerging pathogen claims against the following viral categories:

• • Enveloped viruses
  • Large, non-enveloped viruses 

Because D7 kills similar viruses, it can be employed against the coronavirus (COVID-19) when used in accordance with the directions for use against norovirus on hard, non-porous surfaces. (Refer to the CDC website for additional information about COVID-19 and learn more about the CDC guidelines for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities.)

Although the EPA list has more than 300 approved products for use against COVID-19, it’s important to remember that not all of these disinfectants are the same. Some are more hazardous than others, the ways they are applied are different, and their efficacy is not equivalent. When evaluating products, look at the log kill claims to assess relative efficacy. D7 provides a greater than 6-log reduction, which means it will leave behind only one cell in a million when used as directed.

D7 also contains detergent, which is important for penetrating the cell walls of viruses to neutralize the genetic material inside. In addition to detergents, the D7 formulation contains safe ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, inorganic salts, and a hydrogen peroxide booster. The product is safe to use and can be easily applied as a spray, foam, or fog.    

Use D7 to Protect People in Your Facility

As more people are learning how to disinfect coronavirus-impacted areas, it’s not surprising that questions frequently arise. Understanding how to effectively manage cleaning, disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities is an important factor in protecting the health of everyone at your facility. Our team is here to help you address your concerns about effectively disinfecting spaces. Ask us more about the coronavirus and how D7 can be used in healthcare settings to protect patients and staff.