GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
As the world moves forward, cautiously, there are ways you can keep your customers, your staff, and your family as safe as possible. It is important to remember, as businesses start to open, this does not mean we can become complacent. We need to stay vigilant, stay strong, and stay safe. Whether you are a business that has opened it’s doors to the public again, or you are venturing into those newly reopened buildings, making a plan of how to clean and disinfect is crucial. This will look different for every business and every home. Here are the steps you should take prior to going out or opening your doors:
DEVELOP YOUR PLAN. This is where you look at your business or your home and determine what will need to be cleaned, how often, what cleaning substances will you need on hand in order to clean all types of surfaces, etc. Think about who is doing the cleaning, how cleaning supplies will be disposed of when they are no longer usable, how you can rearrange your space to minimize surfaces that are harder to sanitize (anything porous or fabric). It is helpful to have a visible checklist for businesses and homes clearly defining your plan.
IMPLEMENT YOUR PLAN. A plan is only good if it is practiced. Whatever your plan is, keep at it. Whether you are cleaning after every customer, or you are at home doing a cleaning pass through your house every morning, whatever the case is, it needs to be implemented properly. Make sure that anyone who is a part of this plan has proper training. Take your plan seriously, no matter the setting, or the time frame.
MAINTAIN AND REVISE YOUR PLAN. This plan should be the scaffolding you use for the foreseeable future. There will be instances when this plan needs to be revised. Make sure that your staff, family, or customers are aware of your change in plan. Make sure you do not lose energy executing implementing the plan. Have daily communication touching base with anyone in your plan, noting changes, any new training, coaching, and encouragement.
When you go out, do not go out in fear. Go out confident, equipped with knowledge. When you leave your home, be confident in the Home Cleaning Plan your family has. When you come home implement your plan and feel good knowing you are doing everything you can to keep those in your home safe. When you go out, continue to plan your route so that you are interacting intelligently with each stop you have to take. Make sure the businesses you are going to have a Business Cleaning Plan in place as well. Local Businesses in the area have been incredible with their communication to their customers on steps they are taking, how they are keeping clean and safe, and how best you can interact in their businesses. Reach out to businesses if you have questions on their specific plan.
We are the best defense we have to fight this virus. Our community at large has been incredible in response to the pandemic. This next step should be no different. Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect those working. Do not become complacent in your actions. Go out in the public equipped with the knowledge that plans are in place, best practices are being implemented, and we are all in this together.
Stay Strong Vermont.
For more information on Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes from the CDC click the image below.
