It has been more than two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. Recently, the Malaysian government has proceeded to transition the entire country into endemicity, with all restrictions on business operating hours removed and all economic and prayer activities allowed without any social distancing. This decision is largely based on an exit strategy that would allow all Malaysians to gradually return to normalcy after a two-year battle with Covid-19.
By and large, most Malaysians have been looking forward to this transition. As we gear up and embrace endemicity, we must also always be prudent in taking care of ourselves, our loved ones, and the people around us. Despite the relaxation of rules concerning the economy, our government has stressed that mask-wearing is still mandatory as is the checking-in via MySejahtera app.
In view of this transition, it is important that businesses engage with a cleaning partner that understands their business, as well as the industry basics in cleaning. While the job can be physically demanding and exhausting, Maclean takes pride in the fact that we are called upon to keep everyone safe whether at work or at home – in high-rise offices, factories, manufacturing plants and even in regular grocery stores. In view of this, let us go back to basics and allow us to refresh your memory on best practices we can adopt to keep ourselves safe.
#1 Taking utmost precaution when dining out
While we take pride in our delicious kopi o, kaya toast and curry laksa, do take extra precaution when dining out at your local kopitiams. Dining out is a fun activity but it is considered risky as masks are down while we enjoy our food. Do also carry your own disinfectant wipes or sprays to clean tables and chairs before you are seated to minimise the transfer of germs and bacteria. Keep a pocket sanitizer handy and do sanitize your hands before and after meals.
#2 Cleaning before disinfecting is fundamental
Many of you may not realise that it is very important to clean your own workstation, as we rely greatly on the regular cleaning lady. Based on an Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) trial conducted recently with Maclean’s new ATP device, microorganisms can multiply up to *40 times within just 1.5 hours even after thorough cleaning and disinfecting.
To properly maintain a clean workstation, always clean furniture with soap and water before applying or spraying any disinfectant. Cleaning is an important first step because it physically removes dirt and grime but does not destroy the harmful germs that remain. Disinfection is the process that destroys most disease-causing germs that remain on surfaces. Without cleaning first, the disinfection process may not be effective in removing germs and bacteria.
*Results differ depending on premises and other factors.
#3 Setting up of isolation rooms in public places such as offices, hotels and schools
These days, we come across phrases like “self-quarantine” and “self-isolation” more often than we’d like to. What is the difference between “quarantine” and “isolation”? According to the CDC, “quarantine” keeps someone who might have been exposed to a contagious virus away from others while “isolation” keeps someone who is infected with the virus away from others. To keep everyone safe, proper isolation rooms are necessary in case anyone is at risk of a contagious infection. Although there are more relaxed rules in terms of self-isolation, let us do our due diligence and self-isolate voluntarily should we have Covid-19-like symptoms.
#4 Careful disposal of bodily fluids
There is a specific way to dispose of bodily fluids such as blood, urine or vomit. Body fluids need to be treated as potentially infectious substances that can transmit diseases should they come in contact with other people. When dealing with such incidences, it is imperative that a blood and body spills kit containing items such as N95 masks, latex gloves, face shield, overall cover, shoes cover, absorbent material and powder, tongs, handheld squeegee and pan, multipurpose cleaner and disinfectant and waste bags are on hand. Cordon off the area if necessary and put on PPEs to protect yourself before clearing the affected area.
It is important to emphasize that just because Malaysia has transitioned to endemicity, this does not mean that we let our guards down or downgrade the threat Covid-19 poses to the community. We need to do what is required of us to keep the transmission low and to keep ourselves and our community protected and safe.
As a well-established commercial cleaning company of over 40 years, Maclean aims to educate our clients to ensure that they are aware of the basics in keeping the surrounding environment clean and germ-free especially when the virus is at its peak. Our capable team ensures that each of our cleaning jobs are done to the best of our ability. We place high importance in minimizing risks in the workplace. It is also important that we continue learning and improving, hence honest feedback by clients is welcomed and reviewed through our Client Satisfaction Survey.
If you wish to find out more about Maclean’s services, please feel free to drop us an email at enquire@maclean.com.my or call us at +603 7773 0300. We look forward to connecting with you.