Coronavirus: CDC updates guidelines for cleaning surfaces at homes, schools

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing coronavirus guidelines for cleaning surfaces in homes, schools and other facilities.

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Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the agency, said Friday the risk of infection from contaminated surfaces is low and regular cleaning with soap or detergent is effective to reduce spread of the coronavirus. However, disinfection is still recommended where there have been suspected or confirmed cases of the coronavirus within the previous 24 hours.

“When no people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove virus that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility,” the CDC said in its updated guidelines.

Walensky also said fogging, fumigation and wide-area or electrostatic spraying is not recommended as a primary disinfection method.

Surface transmission can be reduced by proper mask wearing, washing hands and following CDC and federal safety guidelines, Walensky said.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is typically transmitted person-to-person while individuals are in close proximity, she said.

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Cox Media Group