Clarifications on CDC’s updated Covid-19 cleaning and disinfecting guidance, from ISSA/GBAC, ASHRAE, Ashkin
April 12, 2021 — The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, released clarification this week around revised guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 5 related to cleaning and disinfecting for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force released a separate updated statement in relation to airborne (vs. surface) transmission, and green cleaning advocates The Ashkin Group also added thoughts on worker/occupant safety and environmental effects in response to the CDC Brief.
ISSA / Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC)
CDC’s April 5 Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Surface (Fomite) Transmission for Indoor Community Environments, noted that “cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing contaminants and may also weaken or damage some of the virus particles, which decreases risk of infection from surfaces.” ISSA and GBAC emphasized the critical importance that cleaning and disinfecting surfaces must not only reduce exposure to Covid-19, but to other seriously harmful pathogens as well — especially in spaces where people work together all day or there is a high level of traffic.