Recommendations for Protection from COVID-19
(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Clean and Disinfect
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used.
Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them:
Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To Disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
- Diluting household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol
Clean Your Hands Often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially upon entering a building and after you have been in a public place;or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Ensure that Church restrooms are disinfected daily and well stocked with soap and disposable hand towels.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Hand sanitizer should be made available at the entrance of the Church.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay Home if You’re Sick
Avoid Close Contact
·Put distance (at least 6 feet) between yourself and other people.
Disinfecting your Facility if Someone is Sick (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Close off areas used by the sick person.
- Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area. Wait 24 hours (or as long as possible) before you clean or disinfect.
- Clean and disinfect all areas used by the sick person, such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines.
Disinfection of Soft surfaces (carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes)
- Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
OR
- Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant.
Disinfection of Electronics (tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines)
- Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics.
- Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and
disinfecting.
- If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.
Disinfection of Laundry (clothing, towels, linens and other items)
- Wear disposable gloves.
- Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
- Do not shake dirty laundry.
- Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
- Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
- Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.
For more information, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.
