The Novel Coronavirus:
Understanding & Preventing
the Spread of the Infection
That’s Gone Viral

What Classifies a Virus as a Coronavirus? 

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are RNA viruses that are surrounded by an outer coating comprised of a lipid bilayer (water-insoluble fatty coating). Enveloped viruses spread through a “budding off” process during which a new virus becomes wrapped in an outer coating. However, if this layer in dissolved, these viruses are relatively easy to kill—making them more susceptible to disinfectants than non-enveloped viruses. The Novel Coronavirus therefore falls into a category of viruses that are most susceptible to disinfectants.

How Do We Prevent & Disinfect Against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus? 

When preventing the further spread of the Novel Coronavirus, it is critical to listen to guidelines put forth by government protection agencies. According to the CDC, in the absence of an available vaccine against COVID-19, the best way to prevent against infection is to avoid exposure to the virus and take standard preventative actions to respiratory illness (e.g. wash hands; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and avoid close contact with people who are sick). Mobile devices are a major carrier of pathogens. Any effective Hand-Hygiene Program should include a mobile disinfection device such as the KR615 UV Box.When it comes to disinfecting environments that have been exposed to the virus, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the COVID-19 has met the conditions outlined in the EPA’s emerging viral pathogens guidance, meaning eligible products can apply to receive kill claim amendments for the coronavirus. This process helps assist healthcare facilities to select a vetted disinfectant against coronavirus. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended using a hospital-grade disinfectant effective against enveloped viruses such as Noroxycdiff which is EPA registered to kill C.diff spores in 2 minutes and is also effective against envelope viruses.

Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19

WHO and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, long term success cannot be taken for granted. All sections of our society – including businesses and employers – must play a role if we are to stop the spread of this disease.

How COVID-19 spreads

Similarly to how the flu spreads, COVID-19 is spread when someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales they release droplets of infected fluid. Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects. People can catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. If they are standing within one meter of a person with COVID-19 they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them. That is why it is important to practice social distancing.