Article by Reynolds KA, Gerba CP., Lieberman LR, Patnaik M, Bardi G., and Deloitte Consulting
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all more cognizant of measures to help prevent the spread of pathogens, such as mask-wearing, physical distancing and disinfecting surfaces. Whether dining at a restaurant, taking public transit, or sending children to school, the public needs to feel confident that shared spaces are safe. While appearance and building maintenance are still important reasons to clean, the public health benefit of cleaning and disinfecting to help eliminate pathogens on surfaces is now more important than ever in in commercial settings. Even once the pandemic has passed, disinfecting needs to play a central role in keeping shared spaces cleaner, healthier places so people can thrive.
Did You Know?
- Research shows that targeted disinfecting of high-touch items can help reduce the risk of germ transmission in household and workplace environments by up to 80 percent.1
- 77% of consumers now consider a businesses’ cleaning & disinfecting practices to be a “selling point.”
- 65% believe that increased commercial cleaning & disinfecting is a permanent shift.2
- Influenza cases cost the US $87 billion per year in healthcare costs, lost wages, and loss of life.3
What is Cleaning for Health?
It means that your goals include reducing the spread of pathogens and helping to protect the health of your building’s occupants, visitors, and staff.
Who benefits from Cleaning for Health?
- Building occupants and Visitors (customers, students, employees): safer, healthier environment
- Professional Cleaning Staff: worker safety
- Facilities/business Owners: enhance confidence of those visiting the facility
Additional Ways to Help Prevent the Spread of Pathogens
Cleaning & disinfecting are part of a holistic strategy to help prevent the spread of illness causing germs. Other measures can include:
- Wash hands
- Covering your cough/sneeze
- Avoid touching eyes/nose/mouth with unwashed hands
- Keep your distance, wear a facemask during outbreaks or pandemics