Novel Coronavirus – COVID-19: Professional Preventative Cleaning and Sanitization

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic has left most Australians feeling anxious and uncertain of how to protect themselves and others against the virus. Experts suggest the best defence is to follow guidelines put in place by the Australian Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) – including proper hygiene, sanitization and disinfection practices.

We’re here to help. Together, we can get through this.

What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The WHO defines COVID-19 (or ‘Coronavirus disease’) as the infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus discovered in 2019 that had not been previously been identified in humans. The general term ‘coronavirus’ covers a group of viruses that cause a range of illnesses from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. In severe cases, the illness can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, SARS, and death. The virus is spread through coming into contact with droplets expelled from the nose or mouth when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales. These droplets pass through the air and land on surrounding surfaces, which are then touched or inhaled by others who can then become infected.

The impact of COVID-19

The fast-spread outbreak of COVID-19 is now considered a global pandemic, which means a new disease is considered to have spread ‘worldwide’. At the time of publishing, there are currently over 700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, with the majority of cases in New South Wales and Victoria. Over 100,000 people in Australia have been tested for the virus and 6 people have sadly died to date.

Current Australian recommendations to avoid catching or transmitting the virus are:

  • washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when hand washing is not an option
  • coughing and sneezing into the crook of your elbow or arm (not your hands)
  • avoid touching your face as much as possible
  • practicing social distancing, i.e. keeping 1.5 metres away from other people wherever possible
  • self-isolating if you feel unwell, have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, or have been in contact with a confirmed case

How can I protect myself and others when it comes to cleaning?

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we all follow best practice when it comes to personal hygiene and sanitization and disinfection of surfaces, especially in close-quarters workplaces such as commercial office  suites.

How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

The answer to this is unknown at this stage, however, scientists believe the virus behaves like other coronaviruses. Therefore, it is likely the virus can survive on surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on factors such as the type of surface and environmental conditions such as temperature. Surfaces suspected of being infected should be cleaned with disinfectant to kill the virus and reduce the potential harm to yourself and others.

Disinfecting Vs. Sanitizing for COVID-19

The practice of disinfecting involves destroying or deactivating disease-causing bacteria and viruses on surfaces, whereas sanitizing will generally only reduce the number of bacteria on surfaces to acceptable levels and is ineffective against some viruses. While sanitizing is generally effective enough for low risk situations, disinfecting is preferred for treating surfaces at a higher risk of contamination – especially if that contamination relates to a highly infectious virus such as novel coronavirus.

Do I need professional cleaners for my premises?

Publicly accessible places such as shopping centres, food courts, supermarkets, pharmacies, community services facilities, schools, day care centres, and other institutions that frequently house large gatherings of people should receive special care from trained cleaning professionals during an outbreak and, indeed, during a pandemic. Facilities where the most vulnerable (i.e. the elderly and those with compromised immune systems) are cared for, such as aged care facilities, hospitals, community centres, and medical centres all require high-frequency specialist cleaning. The difference may very well be life or death.

Why call in the professionals?

  • Quality and experienced professional cleaners are trained and equipped to apply best practices to disinfection and sanitization of surfaces suspected of – or at risk of – contamination resulting from coronaviruses.
  • Professional cleaners are also fully equipped and prepared to protect themselves from potential infection when cleaning hazardous areas and have the means to ensure proper disposal of contaminated waste.
  • In a time when supermarket shelves are bare and supplies available to the general public are low, you can rest assured that reputable professional cleaners will have access to cleaning agents, equipment and personal protective supplies.
  • A reputable professional cleaning company will have protocols in place to ensure compliance with the latest guidelines issued by the Australian Government and the World Health Organisation.

At Keen To Clean, we understand that this is a trying time for all. Our experienced and dedicated team of professional cleaners are here to help alleviate some of that stress and anxiety by ensuring your premises are appropriately sanitized and disinfected, and helping you to do your part to reduce the spread of the outbreak. We currently service clients throughout regional and central Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Get in touch today to discuss your needs and obtain a free quote.

Resources for your convenience

Stay up to date with COVID-19 updates.

Australian Government Department of Health:

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

World Health Organisation:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

See below for State and Territory Health Contacts:

New South Wales Department of Health

Ph: 1300 006 055
https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/new-south-wales-department-of-health

Australian Capital Territory Department of Health

Ph: 02 5124 9213 – Business Hours
Ph: 02 9962 4155 – After Hours
https://health.act.gov.au

Victorian Department of Health

Ph: 1800 675 398
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au

Queensland Department of Health

Ph: 13 432 584 (13HEALTH)
https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/queensland-department-of-health

Northern Territory Department of Health

Ph: 08 8922 8044
https://health.nt.gov.au

South Australian Department of Health

Ph: 1300 232 272
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Public+Content/SA+Health+Internet/

Western Australia Department of Health

Ph: See link below for the phone number relevant to your district
https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Contact-details-for-population-public-health-units

Tasmanian Department of Health

Ph: 1800 671 738
https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au