These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). This new coronavirus that originated in Hubei Province, China is referred to as SARS-CoV-2 and is the virus that causes COVID-19.
Human coronaviruses are spread from someone infected with COVID-19 virus to other close contacts with that person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.
The length of time that SARS-COV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) survives on inanimate surfaces will vary depending on factors such as the amount of contaminated body fluid – such as respiratory droplets – present and environmental temperature and humidity.
High-touch surfaces such as, door handles, table-tops, light switches and taps which may become contaminated directly with bodily fluids or indirectly with hands not properly washed. With the spread of COVID-19, it is critical that these high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected frequently or as needed; and good hand hygiene is observed at all times.
Surface Cleaning and Disinfection:
The TGA recently released a 2 public notice that the following surrogate viruses can be used in disinfectant efficacy tests to justify claims against COVID-19. These surrogate viruses are: Human coronavirus 229E and Murine hepatitis virus. Furthermore, in the event that these 2
viruses cannot be used, Bovine coronavirus and Feline coronavirus can be considered.
Furthermore, the Australian Department of Health has issued a bulletin on 1 ‘Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for COVID-19’ advising to use disinfectants that claim that it can kill virus such as 1,000ppm freshly made bleach solution.
Also, quat-based disinfectants have shown to be effective against virus when the correct concentration is used and contact time applied.
Diversey has a wide range of disinfectants, with various actives, that have claims or are effective against Human coronavirus 229E. Oxivir Tb, Oxivir Tb Wipes, Oxivir Five 16 are AHP products that have claim against Human coronavirus 229E.
Divercleanse, Titan Chlor tabs, Diversol 5000 contain active chlorine; Virex II, Crew Restroom Floor & Surface Cleaner are quat-based disinfectants that have been tested to be effective against Human coronavirus 229E.
The Australian Government Department of Health emphasizes cleaning and disinfection as part of routine environmental and terminal cleaning. Good hand hygiene is equally important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
REFERENCES:
1. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-principles-for-covid-19.pdf
2. https://www.tga.gov.au/surrogate-viruses-use-disinfectant-efficacy-tests-justify-claims-against-covid-19
Infection Prevention:
High Touch Surfaces Pathogens can be transferred to people from desks, keyboards, phones, door knobs, and other high touch surfaces. To
minimise the spread, wipe common surfaces with Oxivir ® Tb wipes at least once a day.
Oxivir ® Tb wipes
AUST L 164850
? Hospital-Grade Disinfectant Cleaner.
? Kills viruses and bacteria such as MRSA, VRE, Influenza A, Norovirus and Human Coronavirus fast.
Ready-to-use wipes
1 wipe, 1 minute!
