File-In this file photo on July 2, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic in Tyler, Texas, a maintenance technician wears protective clothing while using an electrostatic gun to clean the surface area. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph via AP, File)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its cleaning guidelines this week to prevent the surface spread of COVID-19. The agency now says that cleaning alone is usually sufficient, and that disinfection may only be necessary in certain circumstances.
The guide says: “Cleaning with household cleaners containing soap or detergent can reduce the number of surface bacteria and reduce the risk of surface infection.” “In most cases, cleaning alone can remove most of the virus particles on the surface. .”
However, if someone in the house is infected with COVID-19 or someone has tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours, the CDC recommends disinfection.
At the beginning of the pandemic, shops for disinfectants and other products were sold out as people “panic buying” and hoarding supplies such as Lysol and Clorox wipes to prevent COVID-19. But since then, scientists have learned more about the coronavirus and how it spreads.
Dr. Rochelle Varensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the updated guidelines are to “reflect the science of communication.”
Varensky said at a press conference on Monday: “People may be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces and objects.” “However, there is evidence that this infection method is spreading The risk is actually very low.”
The CDC stated that the main mode of transmission of the coronavirus is through respiratory droplets. Research has shown that compared with “direct contact, droplet transmission or air transmission”, the risk of pollutant transmission or transmission through objects is lower.
Despite this, the agency recommends that high-touch surfaces—such as doorknobs, tables, handles, light switches, and countertops—be cleaned regularly, and clean after visitors.
“When other surfaces in your home are visibly dirty or in need, clean them,” it said. “If people in your home are more likely to be seriously ill from COVID-19, please clean them more frequently. You can also choose to disinfect.”
The CDC also recommends measures to reduce surface contamination, including requiring visitors who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear masks and follow the “Guidelines for Complete Vaccination”, isolate people infected with the coronavirus and wash their hands frequently.
If the surface is disinfected, the CDC says to follow the instructions on the product label. If the product does not contain detergent, first clean the “significantly dirty surface”. It also recommends wearing gloves and ensuring “enough ventilation” when disinfecting.
Walensky said, “In most cases, atomization, fumigation, and large-area or electrostatic spraying are not recommended as the main disinfection methods, and there are several safety risks that need to be considered.”
She also emphasized that “always correct” wearing a mask and washing hands regularly can reduce the risk of “surface transmission”.
Post time: Sep-03-2021