Audrey Hinchcliffe | Game on with COVID-19

The coronavirus raised the challenge, starting towards the end of 2019, and by the start of 2020 the world responded to the pandemic in varying ways from advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) and prompted the creation of guidelines and protocols by respective governments.

But the virus is unpredictable, for as countries thought they were in or on top of the game, it ramped up the challenge and continuously changed the rules by manifesting symptoms, or no symptoms, and health conditions not usually associated with viruses. The effects are confounding, ranging from no symptoms in the young to profound symptoms in the aged and infirm.

Spreaders do not know that they are infected as they have no symptoms. Some hide their symptoms, thereby denying themselves the need for healthcare and social support and, more confusing, some have no idea how, when or where they contracted the virus.

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

As the virus-initiated game progresses, we have to play as we have no choice – game on.

Each one of us must take responsibility in the prevention and control of the spread of the coronavirus. There is the need for infection prevention and control, which is the first line of defence to keep COVID-19 at bay.

What does it constitute? It would be good to know our status, which is by testing. In the absence of testing, one has to follow the protocols and guidelines to give effect to the prevention and control of the spread of the virus. The moment the viral infection is mentioned, hygiene should be the first order of business effected through education, cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting.

These are the underpinnings of disease control and prevention, regardless of causative agents. The procedures are not synonymous as some would believe; they are distinct functions, as set out below, quoting from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions:

CLEANING is the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs but, by removing them, lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading the infection.

DISINFECTING refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs from the surfaces after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

SANITISING, on the other hand, is the process of applying a substance or fluid designed to kill germs on skin, surfaces or objects. This is the underpinning of the explosion of products, in particular hand sanitiser and a variety of cleaning and sanitising agents, gadgets and machines.

HYGIENE, which is also touted, according to the WHO “refers to conditions and practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases”.

DEEP CLEAN

I must make reference to deep cleaning, of which much is being said. But what does ‘deep cleaning’ mean? And where does it fit in the scheme of things? First, let me advise that “there is no universal protocol for deep cleaning to eradicate the coronavirus. It means different things to different persons, business or industry; hence the response varies”.

It has to do with paying more attention to cleaning the different type of surfaces, the type of chemicals and the method used for more detailed cleaning of high-touch surfaces. Too often we hear that deep cleaning is requested, even if a suspected infected person works or simply passes through a facility. This is panic.

What must be taken into consideration is the point of contact, the type of surface, and the type of business. Deep cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. What is first required is a rapid assessment of the suspected infection in the building space by professionals, who will then advise on the course of action. This expertise may or may not exist within the commercial cleaning industry, so get advice.

SURFACE TESTING

Due consideration must be given to an all-inclusive programme of human and surface testing, cleaning, and sanitising.

Human testing alone may not be enough – we have to take into consideration the process of surface testing. Concerning the surfaces that are to be cleaned – are they hard, solid or porous? But what of upholstery (fabric types), workstations, partitions and carpets?

There are existing protocols for cleaning and sanitising. We must, and I repeat, incorporate surface testing pre- and post-cleaning, and issue a certificate validating that the facility is certified safe for occupancy and doing business. The latter is a policy matter to be treated as a matter of urgency in the face of the spike in the spread of the coronavirus infection. To win the game, we must employ new tactics – hence rapid assessment and surface testing.

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC STANDARDS

With a clear understanding of the terminologies and the practical implementation of protocols and guidelines for the prevention and control of the coronavirus, the respective industries or entities must execute accordingly as one size does not fit all. Some examples are set out below for comparison of needs;

• Educational facilities – kindergartens to colleges; a variety of areas

• Hotels, guest houses – large, medium, small

• Manufacturing plants – types such as food and commodities

• Religious institutions

• Businesses and offices – single or a complex; closed offices or open concept

• Shopping malls – single or multiple levels and business types

• Transportation – public or private; rental cars

• Entertainment venues –buildings and open-air facilities

• Cruise ships – recreation areas; cabins

• Airlines – cabins

• Health facilities – Hospital and clinics

• Gyms and work-out areas

• Beaches and rivers

• Others with their own layouts and usage

It is the responsibility of the management, among others, if the expertise for analysis is not in house, to seek external expertise until internal capacity can be acquired through training. There are established protocols for each industry. It is important to use approved chemical agents, procedures and processes.

STAYING IN THE GAME

The fear and eagerness for the cleaning and sanitisation to combat the spread of the coronavirus must be tempered by understanding how the virus spreads, based on science and health experiences.

There are still unknowns about the virus; keeping up to date with published results, one will be able to meet the challenges the virus poses.

Knowledge and communication are key components for staying in lockstep with international initiatives to win the game against COVID-19. There is universal agreement on the following:

• Public education;

• PPEs – facial coverings (masks);

• Social distance/physical distance;

• Testing – with quick results;

• Contact tracing;

• Quarantine and isolation;

• Treatment – as of now only symptoms, as there is yet no cure;

• Mental and psychological support;

• Public health systems must be strengthened;

• Workplace occupational health and safety programmes to be implemented where they do not now exist;

• Workplace policies and procedures to be clear and unambiguous, published, trained on or in, and acknowledged by signing for by those for whom it is applicable;

• Mandatory reporting process to the health authority;

• Assessment and risk management;

• Monitoring for compliance and penalty for non-compliance.

LIVING THE COVID-19 LIFE

The country’s risk profile determines the restrictions to be endured by all. With the surge in the spread of infections, public health is in the driver’s seat. We have to coexist with the situation; hence it is incumbent upon all of us to protect each other by adhering to what is required by policy measures.

This is a time like no other.

Audrey Hinchcliffe is the CEO and founder of Manpower and Maintenance Services Ltd Group. Send feedback to ceo@manpowerja.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.