With a fast-spreading virus in the news, it’s natural to feel anxious. If you manage a school, a housing property, or a business, you may be especially concerned about keeping your students, tenants, employees, or customers safe.

The Coronavirus, known in the medical community as COVID-19, has spread to several countries, including the United States. Hundreds of cases have been reported and some people have died because of the virus. Despite the legitimate risk this virus poses, however, It’s not productive to operate from a position of fear. It’s far better to get the facts.

At PureOne, our first priority is the health and safety of the people we serve. That’s why we think it’s important to cut through the myths and rumors and help you implement a plan for dealing with the Coronavirus.

What You Need to Know about COVID-19

What is it?

The coronavirus, or COVID-19, was first detected in Wuhan City, China. Like the SARS virus, this disease originated from animals and then spread to people. This virus is currently impacting communities around the world.

How do you get it?

The coronavirus can be spread person to person, or from contact with infected surfaces or objects. 

 

How serious is it?

The coronavirus can affect anyone, no matter their age, race, gender, or ethnicity. However, it’s most dangerous for the elderly, for people who have compromised immune systems, and for health workers who are exposed to the virus most frequently. From research we’ve seen so far, the virus seems to have a fatality rate of 2 percent, which makes it 20 times as deadly as the seasonal flu.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of the coronavirus appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure and include: 

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mild to severe respiratory symptoms 

Because the virus spreads so easily, the CDC is recommending that patients with the disease be isolated, either at home or in a hospital, until they no longer pose a risk to others in the community. The recommended period of quarantine for COVID-19 is 14 days, which is the longest incubation period seen in similar viruses.

Is there a vaccine available?

Right now, there is no vaccine available that will prevent COVID-19. However, a vaccine is being developed. Until it becomes widely available, the best way to avoid illness is to keep your hands and your surroundings clean, and to avoid coming into contact with infected individuals.

Tips for Keeping You, Your Family, and the Public Safe from the Coronavirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people should take the following precautions:

  • Avoid coming into close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Try not to touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • If you are sick, stay at home.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly – for at least 20 seconds – and often.
  • Clean all high-touch surfaces daily, including countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and other items you handle regularly.
  • Monitor your symptoms and contact a health professional if you think you are sick.

If you haven’t already, you may also want to get a flu shot. It’s unlikely that you will need to quarantine yourself, but just in case, you may choose to stock up on supplies at home so you can stay indoors for 2 or 3 weeks if you need to.

Please note: while many people have been buying facemasks to protect themselves from the coronavirus, this step isn’t really necessary. Facemasks should only be worn by people who have the disease and do not want to infect others or by healthcare professionals caring for the sick.

Protecting a School, Business, or Other Property

In addition to the tips listed above, you may want to take additional precautions if you are a business owner, a property manager, or a school administrator.

  • Conduct a deep cleaning of the surfaces in your property.
  • Advise people to stay at home if they are sick.
  • Stock extra tissues, soap, and sanitizers for people to use.
  • Stay informed, and pass up-to-date information on to your tenants, students, or customers.

PureOne Services can Clean and Sanitize Your Business

Preparing for the coronavirus doesn’t just keep you and your family safe, it also supports the well-being of your entire community. At PureOne, we’re committed to doing just that.

We’re used to dealing with messes big and small, from fire restoration to mold disinfection and remediation. If your facility has been affected by the coronavirus, or if you are concerned about a potential outbreak, we can provide the type of thorough cleaning that goes beyond Windex and bleach. We recommend forensic cleaning because it is the most effective method available for sanitizing a property.

Mold Remediation Near Me

PureOne Services Offers Forensic Cleaning

Would you like to learn more about cleaning and disinfecting your home or office? Give us a call. Our representatives will be happy to help.