Surface cleaning in house. Spraying antibacterial sanitizing spray. Prevention coronavirus COVID-19. Bottle of disinfection and a rag in the hands of a cleaner. Medical blue gloves. Sanitize surfaces.

To little surprise considering the contagious nature of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the virus had little trouble spreading across the country as holiday gatherings ensued. In the weeks that have since followed, the next hurdle after holiday plans being altered is the safety of office spaces and related facilities as employees have returned to work. 

Due to reported outbreaks in every imaginable facility sector, businesses have been required to either postpone or limit in-person requirements for employees — at least for the time being. Once the spike in cases subsides and a return to the office is again on the table for many, it's important to ease the apprehension of those impacted. 

Top Occupant Preferences

As reported in an article from Inc., a fall survey from the Cleaning Coalition of America (CCA) showed the vast majority of respondents want offices to be cleaned at least once per day (77 percent). In particular, disinfecting topped the list for particular cleaning tasks, followed by access to hand sanitizer, improving COVID-19 protocol messaging, and providing signage in appropriate areas. 

Eradicating The Virus

While highly contagious, the silver lining of the COVID-19 virus is its envelope nature, meaning its structure is easy to kill with the correct disinfectant. For clarification on selecting the right products, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers guidance through their List-N, which details disinfectants proven to COVID-19 while keeping occupants safe. 

The virus can land on surfaces and infect people through touchpoint contact, but the risk is considerably lower compared to direct droplet exposure from an infected person. In areas where no suspected or confirmed infected occupants resided, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a one-time daily clean is sufficient. The CDC also emphasized areas that lack handwashing/sanitizer stations, or are poorly ventilated, as targets for daily or multi-frequency cleans.

For additional re-opening advice, check out this guide from the CCA.