The impact of COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 on our health, businesses, schools and financial markets, has been extensive worldwide. This summer has brought excitement and hope back into our lives. Many of us are now vaccinated. Restrictions have been lifted and people are returning to work, school and play. Most places have reopened, we are resuming our usual daily activities and trying to get back to “normal”.
As exciting as it is to put COVID 19 behind us and move on we still need to stay vigilant, especially with different variants emerging. According to CDC the primary spread of the virus is through inhaled airborne droplets, produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Another source of exposure is contact with contaminated surfaces, the SARS-CoV-2 virus may remain viable for hours or days depending on the surface’s material type.
What NY & NJ BUSINESs owners and managers can do
For these reasons, regular cleaning, disinfecting, and testing are essential for business owners, managers, and personnel to minimize indoor exposure risks. Cleaning of frequently touched surfaces is paramount and recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of infection.
To ensure the effectiveness that your cleaning protocols are working, surface sample testing needs to be done to know for certain. Detail Associates can provide surface swab and air testing. The collected surface samples are analyzed by an independent certified laboratory utilizing a RT-qPCR test that targets the SARS-CoV2-nucleocapsid N gene. The results of these tests would demonstrate that the sampled surface area has been cleaned effectively and is free from the virus. A swab test can determine if the surface was treated properly, and the right chemical was used. In addition, we can collect air samples for determination of airborne COVID19 presence. This allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of the air handing system servicing the target area.
indoor air quality assessments
Our indoor air quality assessments include:
- Airborne microbial agents including SARA-CoV2 virus, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compound
- Surface (HVAC associated components) for SARA-CoV2 presence
- Review of HVAC systems in accordance with ASHRAE Standard – fresh air distribution & filtration
- Hazard assessment – areas that may increase risk for transmission – engineering controls
- Enhanced cleaning and use of prolong lasting surface disinfectants – verification surface testing
- Review of administrative controls
- Follow-up and program review management system
We are available, here in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, to answer any specific concerns associated with your site or operations. Even if you are not in the area, feel free to call. We can give you advice remotely and, when necessary, travel to your location.