This Version Posted: June 5, 2020
Cleaning and disinfecting public settings is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect people in the community.
The following information provides guidance on cleaning and disinfection of public settings, including schools, transit, colleges/universities and other workplaces in Ontario and is based on a fact sheet from Public Health Ontario.
If you have questions about COVID-19, contact your health care provider, Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 or the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 x5020.
What you should know
- Commonly used cleaners and disinfectants are effective against COVID-19.
- Frequently touched surfaces are most likely to be contaminated.
- Use only disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is an 8-digit number given by Health Canada that confirms it is approved for use in Canada.
- Check the expiry date of products you use and always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Follow these public health guidelines for cleaning/disinfecting public washrooms
Clean frequently touched surfaces twice per day
- In addition to routine cleaning, surfaces that have frequent contact with hands should be cleaned and disinfected twice per day and when visibly dirty.
- Examples include doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, toilet handles, counters, hand rails, touch screen surfaces and keypads.
- In addition to routine cleaning, check with your organization for any specific protocols for cleaning for COVID-19.
Select products
Cleaners
- Break down grease and remove organic material from the surface.
- Used separately before using disinfectants.
- Can be purchased with cleaner and disinfectant combined in a single product
Disinfectants
- Have chemicals that kill most germs.
- Applied after the surfaces have been cleaned.
- Have a drug identification number (DIN).
Disinfectant Wipes
- Have combined cleaners and disinfectants in one solution.
- May become dry due to fast drying properties. Should be discarded if they become dry.
- Not recommended for heavily soiled surfaces.
Prepare products for use
- Where possible, use pre-mixed solution.
- Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions to:
- properly prepare solution
- allow adequate contact time for disinfectant to kill germs (see product label)
- wear gloves when handling cleaning products including wipes
- wear any other personal protective equipment recommended by the manufacturer
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This information is from the Public Health Ontario fact sheet “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings”
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