COVID-19 Response

TERMS TO KNOW

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)

Is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services. Its main goal is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability in the US and internationally.

CLEANING VS. SANITIZING

Cleaning removes a soil from a surface such as a countertop or piece of equipment. Sanitizing is the application of a sanitizing agent that reduces the number of pathogens on that clean surface.

EPA REGISTERED DISINFECTANTS

A disinfectant solution approved for sanitizing surfaces, tools and equipment. Examples include:

ALCOHOL

A colorless, flammable, water-soluble liquid, C3H8O, produced from propylene by the action of sulfuric acid and hydrolysis: used chiefly in the manufacture of antifreeze and rubbing alcohol and as a solvent.

BARBICIDE

Active ingredient is Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (5.12% by volume) sodium nitrite and blue dye are also present.

DISINFECTING WIPES

Wipe that has active ingredients for disinfecting surfaces. The ingredients will vary manufacture to manufacture.

FACE COVERING

A face covering is a cloth material that covers the nose and mouth. A face covering can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. N95 or medical use masks are NOT recommended.

GLOVES

Synthetic (nitrile rubber) disposable gloves.

HAND SANITIZER

Hand sanitizer is a liquid gel agent applied to the hands for the purpose of removing common pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Recommened hand sanitizier must contain at least 60% alcohol.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Is protective clothing, face shields, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Per the CDC, means keeping at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.

CLEAR PLASTIC BARRIER/PARTITIONS

Strategies designed to protect workers from hazardous conditions by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Engineering controls involve a physical change to the workplace itself, rather than relying on workers’ behavior or requiring workers to wear protective clothing.

QUARANTINE PERIOD

A period of time that must elapse before the equipment or gear potentially exposed to a contagious disease can be considered as incapable transmitting the disease.

UV-C LED LIGHTING

Germicidal UV or UV-C is part of the ultraviolet spectrum best known for its ability to inactivate pathogens like bacteria and viruses. It utilizes specific wavelengths of the ultraviolet spectrum, typically between 200 to 280 nanometers. Germicidal UV is typically used to disinfect rooms and surfaces.