How to Protect Your Facility From 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
[Updated: March 6, 2020]
There’s been a lot of attention around the recent emergence of a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). While the majority of the cases are in China, 2019 Novel Coronavirus is now prevalent in the U.S.
While cases in the U.S. remain comparatively low, WHO and CDC expect more confirmed cases.
To help you navigate the best way to control the spread of this virus and to prevent an outbreak from occurring in your facility, EBP has gathered information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and several of our manufacturing partners.
In this article, we’ll go over the basic facts about 2019 Novel Coronavirus, how to protect your facility and guests, and provide a list of products that our manufacturers have listed as meeting the guidelines of the CDC for use against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces, and thus can be used against SARS-CoV-2 when used in accordance with disinfection directions.Download our FREE, Coronavirus Readiness Playbook: 6 Vital Steps to Protect Your Facility, designed to provide you with the 6 vital steps you need to keep your facility protected against a Coronavirus outbreak.
What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus?
2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV for short, is the virus that is causing an outbreak of the respiratory illness (COVID-19) that was first detected in China, but has now been detected in 60 countries internationally.
As of February 11th, 2020, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) has released the official name for 2019 Novel Coronarius as "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" (SARS-CoV-2).
The CDC’s current knowledge of this virus is based on what is known about similar coronaviruses because this is so new.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that include Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). As stated by the World Health Organization, "novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans."
SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, a mild to severe respiratory illness.
Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, respiratory symptoms, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure and death.
Pro Tip: In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.
How is COVID-19 Transmitted?
Similar to cold and flu viruses, the emerging coronavirus disease is thought to spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets or when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.
According to the CDC, it is still unknown if a person can actually get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are symptomatic (showing signs of illness), however, there have been cases of infected individuals with no symptoms spreading the illness to others when in close contact.
Elderly, those with underlying health issues, and people who have recently traveled to China are most at risk.
How to Prevent The Spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Your Facility
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. The best method of prevention is reducing the spread of germs.
Best practices to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in your facility include:
- Follow Proper Handwashing Procedures and Wash Hands Frequently
- Have Hand Sanitizer Accessible
- Provide Occupants with Facial Tissue
- Avoid Close Contact with People who are Sick
- Encourage Sick Individuals to Stay Home if Showing Symptoms
- Clean and Disinfect to Prevent the Spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus
Follow Proper Handwashing Procedures
Hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of illness and to avoid getting sick.
Encourage proper handwashing procedures. Occupants should scrub their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing with running water.
Remind building occupants to wash their hands carefully and frequently especially:
- after going to the bathroom
- before eating
- after coughing or sneezing
- before touching their eyes, nose or mouth
Have Hand Sanitizer Accessible
When water and soap are not available or there is limited access, hand sanitizers can play an integral role in hand hygiene.
Provide occupants with alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, to kill and prevent the spread of germs.
Hand sanitizer can also be used when an individual has come into contact with a high-touch surface, like a doorknob, phone, or lightswitch, and it is not practical to wash their hands repeatedly.
Provide Occupants with Facial Tissue
Spreading through aerosolized droplets, it is important to encourage building occupants to cough or sneeze into a facial tissue and dispose of it right away.
If a facial tissue isn’t available, encourage people to cough or sneeze into the bend of their elbow to prevent the spread of droplets.
Avoid Close Contact with People who are Sick
Spreading from person-to-person, transmission occurs among close contact or when individuals come in contact with an infected person who is within 6 feet.
If someone is showing signs of illness, like coughing, keep a measurable distance to reduce the chance of germs spreading.
Encourage Sick Individuals to Stay Home if Showing Symptoms
Prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 or any other illness by encouraging individuals to stay home from work or school when they are experiencing symptoms.
Clean and Disinfect to Prevent the Spread of SARS-CoV-2
Contamination of surfaces is likely occurring when an infected individual coughs or sneezes and releases respiratory droplets.
As a result, cleaning and disinfecting high touch points around your facility like doorknobs, elevator buttons, countertops and handrails, as well as encouraging occupants to disinfect items in their immediate area, like their desk, phone, and computer can help limit the spread of pathogens.
Pro Tip: For disinfectants to prove effective, the surface must first be cleaned. Cleaning removes loose soils, preparing the surface or object to be disinfected. Disinfecting kills germs on the surface, preventing them from spreading. If a surface is not cleaned first, germs can hide under soils and reduce the efficacy of the disinfectant. Use the steps in our previous article, "What is the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?", to properly perform cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Clean
Use a multi-purpose surface cleaner or cleaner/disinfectant to wipe down and remove any visible soil.
Disinfect
At the time of this writing, no EPA registered disinfectants have a claim against this specific coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
However, to detect and contain SARS-CoV-2, the EPA in accordance with the U.S government and the CDC has activated its Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides.
Under this guidance, EPA is providing pesticide registrants with a voluntary process to enable the use of certain EPA-registered disinfectant products against this emerging viral pathogen.
Meaning, select products that have been shown effective against similar viruses like Human Coronavirus, SARS associated Coronavirus, or Rotavirus can be used on hard surfaces against SARS-CoV-2 when used in accordance with disinfection directions.
To help you navigate the best way to control the spread of this virus, EBP has revised its list of products that our manufacturers have listed as meeting the guidelines of the CDC for use against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces, and thus can be used against SARS-CoV-2 when used in accordance with disinfection directions:
Product | EBP Item # |
Certo | |
Certo Disinfectant High Flow, RDT-5, 64 oz | 451500161 |
Certo Disinfectant Low Flow, RDT-5, 64 oz | 451500162 |
Lemon Fresh Q Disinfectant Cleaner | 451311130 |
Non-Acid Bathroom Cleaner/Disinfectant (CDS Dilution System) | 451104111 |
#8 HOSPITAL 256 L (Low Flow) Disinfectant (CDS Dilution System) | 451500054 |
#9 HOSPITAL 256 H (High Flow) Disinfectant (CDS Dilution System) | 451500041 |
#10 NON-ACID BATH L (Low Flow) Cleaner/Disinfectant (CDS Dilution System) | 451500049 |
#11 NON-ACID BATH H (High Flow) Cleaner/Disinfectant (CDS Dilution System) | 451500039 |
Clorox Healthcare | |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner Pull-Top Bottle 32 oz | 448906115 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner Refill 128 oz | 448906116 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner Spray 22 oz | 448906120 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner Spray 32 oz | 448906117 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner Spray Refill | spec order |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Wipes 110 Count Bucket | 409300201 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Wipes 110 Count Refill | 409300217 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Wipes 150 Count Canister | 409300153 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Wipes 70 Count Canister | 409300152 |
Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Wipes 20 Count | spec order |
Clorox Healthcare® Fuzion® Disinfectant Cleaner | 451201255 |
Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant | 451600601 |
Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Pull-Top 32 oz | 410009450 |
Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Spray 32 oz | 410600525 |
Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 95 Count Canister | 410600505 |
Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 155 Count Canister | 410600500 |
Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 185 Count Bucket | 410600510 |
Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 185 Count Refill | 410600520 |
Clorox Healthcare® VersaSure® Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 85 Count Canister | 410303209 |
Clorox Healthcare® VersaSure® Wipes 150 ct. canister (6" x 5") | 410303214 |
Clorox® Healthcare VersaSure Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes, 30 Count Soft Pack - Pack of 24 | 410600604 |
Clorox Healthcare® VersaSure® Wipes 110/Bucket | spec order |
Clorox Healthcare® VersaSure® Wipes Refill | spec order |
Dispatch® Hospital Cleaner Disinfectant Towels with Bleach | 998600312 |
Dispatch® Hospital Cleaner Disinfectant Towels with Bleach 150 Count Canister | 448906121 |
Clorox Healthcare® Citrace® Hospital Disinfectant & Deodorizer | spec order |
Clorox Healthcare® Broad Spectrum Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner | spec order |
Clorox Healthcare® Disinfecting Wipes | spec order |
CloroxPro | |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® 4-in-One Disinfectant & Sanitizer Spray Citrus Scent 14 oz | 207009966 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® 4-in-One Disinfectant & Sanitizer Spray Lavender Scent 14 oz | 428009974 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Clean-Up® Disinfectant Cleaner with Bleach (Diluted) | 451201106 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Clean-Up® Disinfectant Cleaner with Bleach (Spray) | 451105635 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Bio Stain & Odor Remover Pull Top 32 oz | 428201649 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Bio Stain & Odor Remover, Spray, 32 oz | 453201652 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Bio Stain & Odor Remover Refill | spec order |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Spray | 428215210 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes Fresh Scent 700 Count | 410600705 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes Fresh Scent 700 Count Refill | 410600398 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox®Disinfecting Wipes Fresh Scent 75 Count Canister | 410600311 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox®Disinfecting Wipes Lemon Fresh 75 Count Canister | 410600364 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Spray | 206009956 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 110 ct | spec order |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 128 oz | spec order |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes 800 ct | spec order |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Tilex® Soap Scum Remover | 451990585 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Tilex® Soap Scum Remover & Disinfectant Spray 32 oz | 451990575 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach | 250009831 |
CloroxPro™ Clorox® Germicidal Bleach 64 oz | 448990221 |
CloroxPro™ Clorox® Germicidal Bleach 121 oz | 458906122 |
CloroxPro™ Clorox® Total 360® Disinfecting Cleaner | 410600579 |
Clorox Commercial Solutions® Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner | spec order |
Gojo | |
PURELL® Foodservice Surface Sanitizer | 444430281 |
PURELL® Hard Surface Disinfectants | 444430290 |
Spartan | |
BNC-15® 2L | 451201126 |
GS High Dilution Disinfectant® 256 106 | 451201677 |
Halt® 1 g | 451201450 |
Hard Surface Disinfecting Wipes (Fresh Scent) | 410600606 |
hdqC 2® | 451201435 |
NABC® Hard Surface Disinfecting Wipes | 660201210 |
Super HDQL 10® | 451201436 |
BNC-15® 1 g | spec order |
GS High Dilution Disinfectant® 256 | spec order |
GS Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner® | spec order |
Halt® 2L | spec order |
Hard Surface Disinfecting Wipes | spec order |
HDQ Neutral® | spec order |
Profect® Healthcare Disinfecting Wipes | spec order |
PSQ II | spec order |
Super HDQ Neutral® | spec order |
TB-Cide Quat® 15 g | spec order |
TB-Cide Quat® RTU spray | spec order |
Diversey | |
ALL PURPOSE VIREX DISINFECTANT CLEANER 2X1 GAL | spec order |
ALL PURPOSE VIREX DISINFECTANT CLEANER 4X32OX CAP SPR BTL | spec order |
ALL PURPOSE VIREX DISINFECTANT CLEANER 8X32OZ SPR BTL | spec order |
Alpha HP Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner #67 2x2.5L J-FILL | 998915901 |
ALPHA HP Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner #67 (U.S.) 2 X 1.5 L | 451916895 |
ALPHA HP Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner 1 X 5 L | 998997866 |
AVERT SPORICIDAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 4X160EA US | 998000621 |
AVERT SPORICIDAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER (US) 330 GAL TOTE | spec order |
AVERT SPORICIDAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 12X32OZ | spec order |
AVERT SPORICIDAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER WIPES 6"X7" 12X160 CT (US) | spec order |
CREW NON-ACID DISINFECTANT CLEANER 12X32 OZ | 451916041 |
CREW NON-ACID DISINFECTANT CLEANER 6X32 OZ | spec order |
CREW RESTROOM FLOOR & SURFACE NON-ACID DISINFECTANT CLEANER 12X32 OZ SPRAY BOTTLES | spec order |
Crew Restroom Floor & Surface SC Non-Acid Disinfectant Cleaner 2x2.5L | 451915600 |
Crew Restroom Floor & Surface SC Non-Acid Disinfectant Cleaner 2x1.4L | spec order |
CREW RESTROOM FLOOR AND SURFACE SPRAY BOTTLE 12X32OZ | spec order |
CREW RR FLR SRF DIS 12X32OZ CAP BTL | spec order |
DIVOSAN SPECTRUM (US) 330 U.S. GAL | spec order |
DIVOSAN SPECTRUM (US) 4X1 U.S. GAL | spec order |
DIVOSAN SPECTRUM (US) 55 U.S. | spec order |
DIVOSAN SPECTRUM (US) BULK | spec order |
ENVY FOAMING DISINFECTANT CLEANER 12X19 OZ | 453400158 |
EXPOSE II256 PHENOLIC DISINFECTANT CLEANER 2X2.5 L | 451915142 |
EXPOSE II 256 12X32OZ EMPTY BTL | spec order |
Final Step 512 Sanitizer 2x1.5L RTD Spray | 998914275 |
FINAL STEP SANITIZER 2.5L | 446505088 |
Final Step 512 Sanitizer Quat-Based Kitchen Sanitizer 1x5L | spec order |
FINAL STP SAN 12X32OZ EMPTY BTL | spec order |
G-5 1249L/330GAL | spec order |
G-518.9L/5GAL | spec order |
G-5208L/55GAL | spec order |
G-5 BULK | spec order |
J-512 SANITIZER 2X2.5L | 998910818 |
J-512 SANITIZER 4X1GAL | 451315323 |
J-512 SANITIZER 12X32OZ EMPTY BTL (US) | spec order |
J-512 SANITIZER 2.5GAL | spec order |
J-512 SANITIZER 6X32 OZ | spec order |
MORNING MIST NEUTRAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 1X5L RTD | 660900118 |
MORNING MIST NEUTRAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 2X1.5GL | 454100257 |
MORNING MIST NEUTRAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 2X1.5GL RTD Spray | 454100256 |
MORNING MIST NEUTRAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 2x2.5L | 451001244 |
MORNING MIST NEUTRAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 4X1 GAL | 451997600 |
MORNING MIST NEUTRAL DISINFECTANT CLEANER 12X32OZ EMPTY BOTTLE | spec order |
OXIVIR 1 RTU 12X32OZ (US) | 451009766 |
OXIVIR 1 WIPES 4X160EA (US) | 410600391 |
OXIVIR 1 WIPES 4X160EA REFILL PACK (US) | 410600392 |
OXIVIR 1 WIPES 12X160EA (US) | spec order |
OXIVIR 1 WIPES 12X60EA (US) 10X10 | spec order |
OXIVIR FIVE 16 CONCENTRATE ONE STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER 2X2.5L | 451915970 |
OXIVIR TB GENERAL VIRUCIDE, BACTERICIDE, TUBERCULOCIDE, FUNGICIDE,SANITIZER (U.S) 12X32OZ | 454100249 |
OXIVIR TB WIPES 12X160 EA (US) 6X7" | 410600368 |
OXIVIR TB WIPES 4X160 EA (US) 11X12" | 410600381 |
OXIVIR TB WIPES REFILL PACK 4x160 EA (US) 11X12" | 410997600 |
R2 Plus Hygienic Hard Surface Cleaner 12X32OZ BOTTLES | spec order |
R2 Plus Hygienic Hard Surface Cleaner 2x2.5L | spec order |
SIGNET HEAVY DUTY NON-ACID WASHROOM CLEANER/DISINFETANT 4X1 GAL | spec order |
SIGNET NEUTRAL DISINFECTANT 4X1 GAL | spec order |
SIGNET THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SANITIZER 4X1 GAL | spec order |
Sterilex Ultra Disinfectant Clnr Solution 1 5 Gal (US) | spec order |
Sterilex Ultra Disinfectant Clnr Solution 1 55 Gal (US) | spec order |
TRIAD III DISINFECTANT CLNR 2 X 5 L (US) | 451916588 |
TRIAD III DISINFECTANT CLNR 2 X 2.5 L (US) | 451915088 |
VIREX II 256 II ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER AND DEODORANT 6X32 OZ | 451311581 |
VIREX II 256 ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER AND DEODORANT 1X5 L | 451916653 |
VIREX II 256 ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER AND DEODORANT 2.X1.4L | 451500350 |
VIREX II 256 ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER AND DEODORANT 2X1.5GAL | 451311585 |
VIREX II 256 ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER AND DEODORANT 2X1.5L | 451916665 |
VIREX II 256 ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER AND DEODORANT 2X2.5L | 451915029 |
VIREX II 256 ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER AND DEODORANT 4X1 GAL | 451915030 |
VIREX PLUS ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER & DEODORANT 2X1.5L RTD | spec order |
VIREX PLUS ONE-STEP DISINFECTANT CLEANER & DEODORANT 2X2.5L J-FILL | spec order |
VIREX II 256 12X32OZ CAP EMPTY BTL | spec order |
VIREX II 256 12X32OZ SPRAY BOTTLE | spec order |
VIREX TB READY TO USE DISINFECTANT CLEANER 12X32OZ | 454100255 |
WIDE RANGE II 2X2.5L | spec order |
WIDE RANGE NON-ACID DISINFECTANT WASHROOM CLEANER 12 X 32 OZ. EMPTY BOTTLE | spec order |
Green Klean | |
SOP Green Klean - Chlorinated Disinfecting Tablet | 487900128 |
Kik Custom Products | |
Bleach Ultra 6% 1GL 11008635045 Kik PureBright GERM 4H 6/Case (Individual Case) | 448805221 |
Bleach Ultra 32 oz 23138638091 Kik PureBright GERM 6% 12/Case | 448805227 |
Bleach Ultra 6% Full Pallet Qty Kik PureBright GERM Gal 28 CS (Pallet) | 448805220 |
Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. But, always check with the product label or an EBP Sales Executive to confirm efficacy against this virus and to review the proper protocols for disinfection.
Pro Tip: Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines (or the product label) for the recommended wet dwell time for disinfection.
For additional information about SARS-CoV-2 refer to the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/
Final Thoughts
Encouraging and implementing preventative measures throughout your facility is critical to occupant health and infection prevention. And, using disinfectant products on surfaces can help limit the spread of diseases.
EBP will continue to monitor this ongoing situation, and as news becomes available, we will provide updated information.
EBP is a leading distributor of commercial cleaning supplies and is ready to help you combat coronavirus. We have Sales Executives ready to recommend the best products to help reduce the risk of germs spreading throughout your facility. Reach out to your current Sales Executive or contact us to help you find the products that will be most effective in your facility today.
Download our FREE, Coronavirus Readiness Playbook: 6 Vital Steps to Protect Your Facility, designed to provide you with the 6 vital steps you need to keep your facility protected against a Coronavirus outbreak.