COVID-19 Sanitation Awareness
In an attempt to reduce the likelihood of a spike in COVID-19 cases, the Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a list of recommendations for safe social interaction. Many different sanitation standards have been observed in essential businesses. Businesses should be following guidelines from the government, but those guidelines may not always be enough, especially in crowded places. When the need to visit an establishment becomes necessary, be aware of the practices implemented and contacts you have with surfaces, including those surfaces on the products purchased. Proper sanitation practices can help in reducing the spike in COVID-19 cases.
The COVID-19 virus can survive long periods outside the body and can be spread in a number of ways.
• Aerosolization – the virus can remain floating in the air for up to 3 hours*. To help reduce exposure practice social distancing and wear some kind of mask Even a cloth mask can help limit exposure to aerosolized virus.
• Currency – the virus can survive on copper for up to 4 hours and on paper-based products for up to 24 hours*. When making transactions it is a good idea to use a credit or debit card rather than currency. Bills and coins received in change could have been contaminated by an infected person before you received it. After using your card, wipe it down for further protection.
• Packaging – the virus can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours*. When handling packages delivered to you wear disposable gloves and wash your hands immediately after handling.
• Other Surfaces – the virus can survive on plastic and stainless steel for 2 to 3 days*. Practice sanitation when in public places by using sanitizing wipes on surfaces – the cart, the touchscreens and credit card machine (especially the keypad). Be aware of all surfaces you touch, such as the gasoline pump, doorknobs/handles and even the surfaces of the products you are purchasing. Minimize contact with others and potentially contaminated surfaces by using the self-checkout, when available. Use disposable gloves and dispose of them after every potential contact. Wash your hands after every potential contact. Avoid touching your face. Wipe down products you bring into your home with a sanitizing wipe or solution. Immediately isolate and/or wash clothing after being exposed to crowded conditions.
We understand sanitary solutions and wipes have been hard to find. Individuals can make their own with readily available household products. A good article on making your own can be found here:
www.verywellhealth.com/make-your-own-dis...tant-solution-998274
The State of Colorado has published a list of Executive Orders and other information, related to COVID-19 at the following site:
covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-executive-orders-explained
Limit your exposure by minimizing visits to public places. When in those public places be aware of your surroundings and sanitize them as often as you can. Understand the things you touch have been touched by others in the chain of making them available to you. Taking common sense measures can help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
*Source:
www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-cond...irus-resource-center
Please visit your local Chamber of Commerce pages for updates and information during the outbreak.
www.bailey-colorado.org
www.evergreenchamber.org
www.goconifer.com
