Disinfection of business premises: A definitive precaution during Covid-19

April 22, 2020

Now is the time for disinfection of business premises.

With the Covid-19 'circuit breaker' period extended by four weeks until June 1, more restrictions on social life are implemented by the government of Singapore. Nevertheless, most essential services will continue to operate to provide for the basic necessities of the citizens.

Restaurants, grocery and other retail stores, facilities management, healthcare services etc. fall under essential services. A list of essential services is available on the government website here.

Amidst the on-going business operations during the circuit breaker period, it is important for businesses to follow the guidelines issued by the government to keep their premises hygienic and contamination free. Regular cleaning and disinfection is the key to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19.

If your premises have been shut down due to restrictions, you might as well perform disinfection during this period and assure your employees and customers that the place is safe to access once they return after the restrictions are lifted.

Latest research findings on Covid-19

A most recent study by the National Institutes of Health reveals the virus that causes Covid-19 is stable for hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces.

The virus was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, survived on copper for up to four hours, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic surfaces and stainless steel. This study suggests that transmission of the new coronavirus could happen through air and people touching contaminated objects and surfaces.

High-risk touchpoints in public settings

In light of the recent studies about the novel coronavirus and its lifespan on inanimate objects and surfaces, it is imperative for facilities managers to identify high-touch, high-risk points in their premises that are prone to carry the virus and transmit to people who come in contact by touching them.

Some of the most frequently touched surfaces in commercial spaces like shared office space, retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, clinics etc. are:

tables and chairs
cash till
door knobs
escalators, handrail
kitchen and dining surfaces
plates, cutlery and other utensils
wash basins, taps, soap dispenser
toilet seats

The two-step cleaning process

The Ministry of Health (MOH) Singapore, recommends frequent and thorough cleaning and disinfection of premises to stop the spread of virus and ensure protection from infection.

Cleaning followed by disinfection is the best practice to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

Cleaning: Cleaning using soap solutions removes dirt, stains, grease and germs on surfaces. Even though cleaning physically removes germs from the surfaces, it may not necessarily kill them. They may transfer to other surfaces.
Disinfection: According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), disinfection using approved disinfectants will kill germs inhabiting frequently touched surfaces and objects. It does not remove germs from surfaces, but kills them to further reduce the risk of infection.