Each morning you start with a cup of coffee. You check the news, brush your teeth, and feed your dog. Your morning ritual is sacred. If you do not get that first cup of coffee, for instance, chaos ensues. Yet, the headlines are reminding us – our habits must change. We cannot carry on as we did before. COVID-19 does not have to radically alter our daily routines or affect our caffeine intake. Rather, preventative measures can serve to bolster our habits and ensure the safety of everyone around us.
The CDC provides guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and furniture. These recommendations can be helpful anywhere – at home or at a place of business. It is important that we incorporate these guidelines into our daily routines and allow them to become habits as we move forward.
Be Buds with Suds
Developing a detailed plan which follows the guidance of the CDC, as well as the local health department, is vital for prevention. Fortunately, the recommendations are straightforward and simple to follow. Cleaning with soap and water can greatly reduce the risk of exposure. Train your staff on how to clean and how often surfaces and furniture need to be treated, as well as proper hygiene techniques. After cleaning, an EPA-approved disinfectant should be used. It is especially important for schools and daycares to remember to keep all cleaning solutions out of reach of children.
Take a physical walk through the spaces that will be occupied by parents or children. Consider outdoor surfaces that will need to be cleaned. Look for items or furniture that will be touched often. Also look for ways to implement social distancing with furniture and play equipment. A plan should include information for when and how often a surface should be disinfected.
Remember to acknowledge, also, the safety of custodians and staff members who are cleaning and disinfecting. Their risk of exposure is higher, and, therefore, they must take proper precautions to protect themselves, including using gloves and facial coverings. Building these protections into a plan can take a business one step further in ensuring the safety and health of all.
Revisit and Revise Your Plan
A preventative plan must go beyond words on a page. It is a living document that is revisited and revised as time goes on and as new information from the CDC is passed along. Ensure that the plan is being followed and that everyone involved has a stake in the mission and vision. Children can also engage with the plan, learning about washing their hands and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze. The more we educate and plan, the more people we can protect.
Our goal at Benee?s Inc., is to be a resource to our clients during this time of change. As always, we remain committed to providing you with customized furniture solutions, even as we are constantly adapting to the new requirements of COVID-19 preparedness. If you have an idea, Benee’s is here to help fulfill that idea ? if you dream it, we can build it.