A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals are advising private companies and individuals on how best to manage and reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) recently found that surface hygiene is a large factor in transmission rates. This is because the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can survive long enough on surfaces such as counters, mobile phone screens, and desks to be transmitted from person to person.
This is despite SARS-CoV-2 being classed as an enveloped virus, which is a type of virus that usually will not survive on dry surfaces for as long as some other viruses and bacteria.
Evidence has shown that related non-enveloped respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-1, influenza, and MERS can be easily transmitted by coming into contact with infected surfaces.
This shows the importance of effective surface disinfection, and these measures should be encouraged alongside washing hands and wearing good personal protective equipment (PPE).
We should arguably be focusing a lot more than advised on proper ventilation and air and surface disinfection.
With aerosols and droplets of viruses being created (and landing on nearby surfaces) whenever someone speaks, talks, or coughs, cleaning once per day (or even less frequently) is not enough to stop surface transmission.
This is particularly true for enclosed spaces with lots of people such as offices, restaurants, public transport, hospitality venues, and more.
A continuous disinfection solution is the best way to help prevent surface transmission.
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is used across a variety of industries and sectors, including commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and transport. UV light has the power to penetrate the cell walls of viruses and bacteria and damage their DNA, which then means the cells can’t live or reproduce.
There are many ways you can implement UV light solutions in your spaces, from stand-alone units to integration with your HVAC systems.
It is powerful enough to disinfect your surfaces and air without the use of chemical disinfectants, making it better for the planet and safe to use around people.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how UV disinfection can prevent surface transmission of viruses, bacteria, mould, and other pathogens, then please get in touch with one of our experts today.
