Endemic disease does not mean unmanaged disease. As we enter the 3rd year of the COVID-19 pandemic, our priority remains the same: stop the spread! Daily confirmed new cases are at all-time high and its infection rates have risen rapidly since February. According to the Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM), the vast majority of cases are asymptomatic; we can’t see or feel the viruses, therefore, now is not the time to be complacent. To protect you and your loved ones, it’s crucial to maintain a rigorous cleaning and disinfecting routine.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 spreads from person to person through tiny droplets, aerosols, and direct contact with infected individuals. The risk of spread is greatest in poorly ventilated indoor spaces (i.e. malls, restaurants, public transport) and when people spend a lot of time together.
When someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or touches something, they can contaminate the surfaces of their surroundings.
Prevent COVID-19 Spread
The best way to avoid getting sick from COVID-19 is to practice good hand hygiene by frequently washing your hands with soap and water, or using a hand sanitiser. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands and clean frequently touched surfaces regularly, such as faucet handles, bathroom doors, and electronic equipment.
For Close Contacts or COVID-19 Positive Patients
Just recently, the KKM announced new SOPs for close contact cases. Effective 1 March 2022, close contacts who are boosted and are asymptomatic do not need to quarantine, however would need to take an RTK(Ag) self-test on Day 1 and Day 3 after contact. As for boosted close contacts who are symptomatic, a 5-day home quarantine and an RTK(Ag) self-test on Day 5 is required before the release, given if the test result shows negative.
For fully vaccinated cases, whether asymptomatic or symptomatic will still need to be quarantined for 5 days and to undergo RTK(Ag) self-test on Day 5 before release, and lastly for those who are only partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will undergo a 7-day quarantine at home with an RTK(Ag) self-test on Day 7.
In the scenario where you are infected with COVID-19 and have been asked to quarantine at home, or if you are a caregiver to someone who has COVID-19 at home, what do you do to minimise the risk of spreading and keep everyone safe?
Here are some guidelines shared by the World Health Organization (WHO):
Isolate the COVID-19 Patient
First important thing to do is that the patient should stay in a separate room. If this is not achievable, then they should have a designated part of the home and their movements around the house have to be limited to prevent the risk of spreading.
Have Good Ventilation
It is critical to have airflow in the patient’s room or any shared spaces to prevent the virus particles from accumulating inside your household, and to help move them out of the house. It can be achieved by simply opening the windows to have clean and fresh air coming through.
Mask On & Maintain Hygiene
Patients and caregivers should always wear medical masks when in contact. Caregivers must immediately wash their hands as soon as they leave the room. Avoid sharing dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels and bed linens with the patients. Limit contact.
Clean & Disinfect
Any frequently touched surfaces by the patient should be cleaned and disinfected with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved disinfectants that are effective against COVID-19. It is crucial to wear disposable gloves, gowns, and eye protection at all times during the cleaning process — even when handling trash.
Safeguard Yourself and Other Cleaning Staff
In the scenario where you are having professional cleaning crews to handle the cleaning and disinfecting of your household, here are some essential guidelines to follow:
- Ensure that they are adequately trained on the appropriate use of cleaning chemicals and disinfectants.
- Avoid mixing cleaning products and disinfectants.
- Use only the amount recommended on the label.
- Every personnel wears Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks, disposable gloves and gowns, or goggles.
- Ensure adequate ventilation during cleaning — open doors and windows and use fans.
- Keep and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
- Immediately wash hands using soap and water for 20 seconds after removing gloves from cleaning.
Our Commitment at maclean
Maclean has gained and enhanced knowledge from experiences dealing with past infective viruses such as SARS, H1N1 and now COVID-19. The experience has provided us with a clear understanding when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting and we are committed to only using safe and quality cleaning methods that meet the KKM standards. Not only that, we also constantly benchmark ourselves with the international standards of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Environment Authority (NEA).
Should you have any questions about how we can support in providing cleaning and disinfecting services to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, feel free to contact us. The maclean team is ready to work with you in this uneasy time, to provide you with a cleaner, healthier and safer environment to work with, or to live in.