The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine. The scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

The results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, and suggests that people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects. The study information was widely shared during the past two weeks after the researchers placed the contents on a preprint server to quickly share their data with colleagues.

More at source: National Institute Of Health

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Rhiel Supply Co., which provides janitorial supplies to regional customers, has seen increased customer orders for disinfectants, hand sanitizers, soap and toilet paper, says Karen Blacko, customer service manager. Even the company’s outside sales and delivery services staff keep hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in their vehicles, per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Our plans are to keep searching for vendors that have products that we can order,” Blasko said. “We got product today for disinfectant sprays for customers who were waiting for it. Our outside sales people are checking with their customers and helping them find the best solution.”

Manufacturers of cleaning supplies are struggling to keep production in line with need, so getting supplies to customers has been a challenge, particularly with hand sanitizer, Blasko says. Rhiel’s purchasing department is working hard to acquire more hand sanitizer, she says.

All of the schools that Rhiel supplies are well positioned, Blasko says, because of being used to the flu season.

“They just had to tighten up a little bit and make sure they had some backup supplies,” she says. “They did real well. Smaller companies, you don’t expect to have a major virus coming, so you have to revisit your plans.”

More at source: Business Journal Daily

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Coronavirus concerns? Ask about a high touch disinfection program for your office center. Professional Certified Office & Medical Cleaning Services | Free Estimates. | Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Services Available. | Call Today! | International #Janitorial #Cleaning Services Association

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What does it mean that this coronavirus a pandemic? Even though the WHO has declared COVID-19 a pandemic, nothing in your day-to-day life should change right now. You may, at some point, be affected by public health efforts in your community, such as the closure of schools. Just using the word "pandemic" in place of "outbreak" or "epidemic" shouldn't add extra, unnecessary fear to the existing public panic.

It doesn't mean the disease has become more dangerous than it already is, and it doesn't mean that your personal risk of contracting coronavirus has increased. However, public health officials know that the designation will cause more unrest, fear and anxiety, which is likely why the large health agencies have avoided the term until now. While coronavirus should be taken seriously, the US does have resources to contain the virus and mitigate the risk.

More info at source: CDC

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Sens. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are calling on the Trump administration to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to protect workers from the spreading coronavirus.

The senators wrote to Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia saying the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the Labor Department should announce an ETS after thousands of American workers are likely to be exposed to coronavirus due to their careers. They cited the "current and anticipated conditions" as reasons for OSHA to act. 

"The conditions on the ground seem to many observers to already satisfy the legal standards in the Occupational Safety and Health Act to justify OSHA issuing an ETS as health care workers, as well as other workers whose jobs involve interaction with the public, are clearly being exposed to 'grave danger' through exposure to the COVID-19 virus," the letter said.

More at source: The Hill

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"One company said their supply chain was out and they probably would not have anything available for 30 days. The one company I order direct from I ordered 300 cases on Monday. I did not get any in my order Friday," said Miller.

Janitorial supply businesses have said manufacturers predict no alcohol gel available for at least 30 days.

Miller said he also buys directly from a manufacturer, who started rationing based on past history of orders, the size of the business, and other factors. Miller said he likes to take care of customers, but if the manufacturer is out they're out. And the shortage has moved well beyond janitorial supply.

More at source: WGLT

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A group of about 200 custodial workers marched in Irvine on Friday afternoon in support of worker’s rights and to spread awareness about the sexual assault of female janitors during night shifts.

Marchers wore purple shirts bearing the words “Justice for Janitors” and held signs that read “Janitors Sweeping Out Fascism Racism Sexism” and “Building Owners: Do Your Part.”

In Spanish, the group chanted “What do we want? Justice!” and “Stop rape on the night shift!”

A woman dressed in traditional Aztec attire danced to the beat of two drummers, leading the procession through a business district near John Wayne Airport.

More at source: LA Times

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a list of disinfectants to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.

According to the EPA, products on the list have "qualified for use against COVID-19" through the agency's Emerging Viral Pathogen program where manufacturers provide the EPA with data that "shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses."

Coronaviruses are what are called enveloped viruses, "meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product," the EPA says.

“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a news release. “EPA is providing this important information in a public and transparent manner on disinfectant products to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

More at source: EPA

To view the list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf

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As the coronavirus spreads in the Chicago area, some schools are proactively scrubbing down desks, doorknobs and other high-touch surfaces where experts say the virus can live for days.

While state and local public health officials continue to say the risk in the area remains low, some school administrators — and in some cases, the teachers themselves — are increasing the frequency of cleanings. Some are even enacting procedures typically saved for when students or staff fall ill.

More at source: Chicago Tribune

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Wash your hands. Keep a supply of medicines. Get a flu shot. Experts offer practical tips on how to get ready for an outbreak.

Federal health officials have warned that the coronavirus is likely to appear in communities in the United States. If it does, what can you do to protect yourself and your family?

Much of the advice from experts is common sense, and not much different from what you would do to dodge the flu or any other respiratory virus.

“The mantra is, ‘Keep calm and carry on,’” said Dr. Marguerite Neill, an infectious disease expert at Brown University.

More at source: NY Times

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