HealthcareJuly 28, 2020

Prepare Today, Protect Tomorrow: Creating a Forward-Thinking Disinfection Strategy

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged standards for emergency preparedness around the globe. Shortages of key personal protective equipment (PPE) at the onset of the crisis in the United States led to greater exposure for frontline workers. In particular, necessary personnel caring for patients in hospitals, long term care facilities, and emergency vehicles were frequently in contact with infected individuals.

Early cases of the COVID-19 outbreak demonstrated how rapidly the disease could spread when proper protective measures and disinfection practices were not taken. In one notable example, a single woman being treated at UC Davis unknowingly exposed staff members to COVID-19, resulting in 93 human exposures, 34 symptomatic cases, and 3 confirmed COVID-19 cases. This does not take into account the spread that took place from those exposed individuals before they were identified and isolated.

In response to critical supply and equipment shortages that have taken place during the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a coronavirus optimization strategy. This strategy focuses on the near-term requirements of healthcare facilities, providing guidelines for allocating available and stockpiled PPE, such as N95 respirators, eye protection, and ventilators in the event of a shortage.

Today, social distancing regulations are beginning to lax worldwide. As a result, organizations and the healthcare system alike are looking to the future to how they can decrease spread as individuals return to a more “normal” way of life. As part of this evaluation, whole room disinfection strategies are becoming an increasing area of focus. Environments like corporate buildings that previously relied on a single office cleaning per day are investigating true disinfection solutions to eliminate pathogens from surfaces. As organizations investigate whole room disinfection solutions, they must consider:

Is it effective?

SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen that causes COVID-19, is an emerging pathogen type that was first documented in 2019. Like other coronaviruses, the pathogen is an enveloped virus. This makes SARS-CoV-2 fall into the category of pathogens most susceptible to disinfectants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a list of disinfectants that meet the necessary criteria to kill SARS-CoV-2 pathogens on surfaces. When evaluating solutions, organizations should first begin by considering solutions included on List N.

Is it safe?

While the EPA’s List N includes solutions that uphold standards that indicate they are effective against SARS-CoV-2 pathogens, reports address that it does not necessarily ensure that these products meet safety standards in regard to human health. Further still, some solutions may meet safety standards only when used properly by knowledgeable operators. For instance, when products are used by cleaning services who are unfamiliar with proper usage, they can be unintentionally applied improperly and cause health complications. As such, it is critical that the selected disinfection solution is as safe as it is effective.

Is it affordable?

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the world from both a human-health and economic perspective. As organizations create a strategy for the new normal, the cost of a disinfection solution can play a deciding factor in determining a disinfection strategy. Fortunately, efficacy doesn’t have to come at the expense of affordability. A number of the systems available on the market today achieve the highest standards for safety at a comparably low cost of acquisition and upkeep.

Is it forward-thinking?

As shortages of PPE remain top of mind, organizations are looking for disinfection solutions that not only work today but also can be at-the-ready if ever they are needed again at a later time. The best disinfection solutions have a long shelf life that allows organizations to take pre-emptive steps to prepare for crisis situations.

Optimize Your Whole Room Disinfection Strategy for Today and Tomorrow

Whether you are a healthcare facility, corporate office, transportation center, academic institution or more, it is crucial to consider your whole room disinfection strategy in light of COVID-19. Halosil is here to help.

For over a decade, our HaloMist™ (EPA Reg. No. 84526-6) has achieved the highest standard in efficacy, safety, affordability, and longevity. Delivered via our intuitive HaloFogger^® system, HaloMist™ is an EPA List N dry fog disinfect that dissolves into environmentally friendly water, oxygen, and non-toxic silver complexes, making it both safe for people and earth-friendly. With a market-leading shelf life of 2 years, HaloMist™ is the ideal solution for utilization today and preparation for tomorrow.

Ready to get started? Discuss your disinfection strategy today with Halosil.