Covid-19

Coronavirus: COVID-19

We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread and we want to assure you we are following all guidelines for sanitisation, cleanliness, and precaution, provided by the government.

Coronavirus: Prevention & Control for the Cleaning Industry

Coronavirus (CoV) refers to a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). SARS-CoV-2, also known as the coronavirus. While not common, coronaviruses can be zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and people.

Background

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some can cause illness in people including mild symptoms, such as the common cold. Other strains can lead to pneumonia and cause more severe disease e.g. SARS and MERS.

Surface disinfection

Selgiene Ultra and Selgiene Extreme have been assessed for virucidal activity following test methods such as BS EN 14476 and BS EN 14675. Results show they are effective against a range of viruses such as the H1N1 influenza virus, Norovirus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and the Ebola virus. The Coronavirus is not currently available for commercial laboratories to test against so we cannot give a definitive contact time and dilution rate. However, given the above test data we can reasonably expect Selgiene Ultra and Selgiene Extreme to have efficacy against the virus.

We are therefore using the below products for general disinfection in the infection prevention and control for the 2019-nCoV.

SELDEN – V500

BACTERICIDAL CLEANER

SELDEN – C066

SELGIENE ULTRA

T066

Selgiene Ultra Virucidal Cleaner Sanitiser

Consult Public Health England for the latest advice. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

Precautionary Measures

You can help prevent yourself from getting and spreading the coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses–by following these steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community, from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and medical facilities.

Follow these five steps every time:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However:

• Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
• Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
• Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.

How to use hand sanitizer

• Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

References

1. Gov.uk – Coronavirus
2. NHS-Coronavirus
3. Gov.uk – Coronavirus FAQs – What you can and can’t do
4. NHS- Symptoms and what to do
5. Gov.uk – Guidance Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)
6. NHS- Advice for people at high risk
7. Pregnancy Advice
8. NHS- Mental wellbeing while staying at home
9. Gov.uk – Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of COVID-19
10. Gov.uk – Travel Guidance