Short-Questions

Fast solutions for complex problems

What is the best household disinfectant for surfaces during COVID-19?

Regular household cleaning and disinfection products will effectively eliminate the virus from household surfaces. For cleaning and disinfecting households with suspected or confirmed COVID19, surface virucidal disinfectants, such as 0.05% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and products based on ethanol (at least 70%), should be used.

What concentration of bleach should be used to disinfect surfaces from COVID-19 in non-health care settings?

In non-health care settings, sodium hypochlorite (bleach / chlorine) may be used at a recommended concentration of 0.1% or 1,000ppm (1 part of 5% strength household bleach to 49 parts of water). Alcohol at 70-90% can also be used for surface disinfection.

Is fumigation effective against the coronavirus disease?

In indoor spaces, routine application of disinfectants to environmental surfaces by spraying or fogging (also known as fumigation or misting) is not recommended for COVID- 19.One study has shown that spraying as a primary disinfection strategy is ineffective in removing contaminants outside of direct spray zones.

Are public systems for disinfecting individuals (spraying in tunnels or chambers) recommended?

Spraying of individuals with disinfectants (such as in a tunnel, cabinet, or chamber) is not recommended under any circumstances. This practice could be physically and psychologically harmful and would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact. Even if someone who is infected with COVID-19 goes through a disinfection tunnel or chamber, as soon as they start speaking, coughing or sneezing they can still spread the virus.

How long does the virus that causes COVID-19 last on surfaces?

Recent research evaluated the survival of the COVID-19 virus on different surfaces and reported that the virus can remain viable for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, up to four hours on copper, and up to 24 hours on cardboard.

Can the coronavirus survive on surfaces?

It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems likely to behave like other coronaviruses. A recent review of the survival of human coronaviruses on surfaces found large variability, ranging from 2 hours to 9 days (11).The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity and specific strain of the virus.

Can you contract COVID-19 from touching surfaces?

People may also become infected by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus when touching their eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning their hands. Further research is ongoing to better understand the spread of the virus and which settings are most risky and why.

How long does it take for symptoms of the coronavirus disease to appear?

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?

On some surfaces, including cotton fabric and copper, the virus usually dies after a few hours..

What should I do if I develop symptoms of COVID-19?

National public health authorities in your area will probably have specific guidelines covering this (e.g. ‘call the local COVID-19 helpline’). Alternatively, you can also call your local healthcare provider for instructions.

What are some of the most common symptoms of the coronavirus disease?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include loss of taste or smell, aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, diarrhoea, or a skin rash.

Can people with mild COVID-19 symptoms recover at home?

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

Which is the best disinfectant for dental surfaces?

When used correctly, commercially available disposable disinfectant wipes, cloths, or towelettes are effective for cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces in dental settings.

How is disinfectant used to clean environmental surfaces?

Both techniques refer to the two-step procedure used to clean and disinfect environmental surfaces. If using liquid disinfectant, the user would spray the surface with the disinfectant and wipe it using a disposable towel to clean the surface (“spray-wipe”), followed by another “spray” to disinfect the surface.

Can a cleaning agent be used in an organic facility?

The criteria for whether these items can be used in an organic facility are not based on whether they are organic. The requirement is simply to prevent contact with organic food. Therefore, the only restriction on cleaning agents is that they must be rinsed from the food contact surface prior to use.

What kind of disinfectant to use on hospital surfaces?

Clean and disinfect surfaces that are not barrier protected using an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with a low-level (i.e., HIV and HBV label claims) to intermediate-level (i.e., tuberculocidal claim) activity after each patient. Use an intermediate-level disinfectant if visibly contaminated with blood.