Cleaning and Disinfecting in the Era of COVID-19-Experts share frequently asked questions and answers on cleaning and disinfecting long term care facilities

摘要

Like the coronavirus, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are under the microscope. The high mortality rate among SNF residents has drawn significant attention from national health organizations and the media. The issue: An estimated 42 percent of America's 150,000 COVID-19 deaths have been associated with elder care facilities. By comparison, residents of SNFs account for less than 0.62 percent of the population, according to Forbes, on May 22. To help protect this vulnerable population, the Department of Health and Human Services allocated $5 billion in July to help combat infection in nursing homes. The money included funding for an online infection control training program available to Medicare-certified long term care facilities. "Education and training is the key for controlling corona-virus," says Sam Okafor of ServiceMaster Building Services in Portland, Ore. "A facility's infection preventionist and the environmental services team are the front line for infection prevention. They should receive thorough and frequent training. Cleaning knowledge and diligence will keep residents and staff safer."