Navigating the coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it has been especially difficult for teachers. As we move away from remote learning and students are returning to the classroom, keeping learning environments healthy and free from germs will require the adoption of an enhanced cleaning and disinfecting routine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is necessary for teachers and janitorial staff to employ certain procedures designed to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in schools and classrooms. Using their suggestions as a template, we have put together some tips and suggestions to help teachers and school administrators keep classroom environments clean, disinfected, and healthy for the upcoming school year.
Develop a Cleaning Program that Fits
Every classroom and situation is different and it is important to devise a cleaning schedule with your maintenance staff that will work best to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in your unique environment. The plan should begin with a focus on highly-trafficked areas such as restrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and classrooms. To learn more about what your maintenance staff should be focusing on in each of these areas, read our School Spring Cleaning Guide.
Good janitorial teams will know how to properly use cleaners and disinfectants in classrooms and areas where children frequent. It is important that they follow the label directions and not overuse chemicals just because the situation with the pandemic has raised concerns and calls for more proactive prevention.
Create a Touch-Point Cleaning Checklist
In addition to focusing on highly-trafficked areas, cleaning teams should devise a checklist that routinely addresses touch-point areas that can spread infection. Hiring a Professional Touch Point Disinfecting Service will give your school the advantage of experience during this difficult time. Professionals will be able to identify problem areas and create a plan that includes a daily checklist. This checklist will help to keep your student and faculty population healthy and safe.
Here are some general touch-point areas that should be included on any checklist:
- Tables and Chairs
- Windows and Blinds
- Desks
- Computer Keyboards and Mouses
- Door Handles
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Community Books
- iPads or Classroom Tablets
- Whiteboard Pens and Erasers
What to Do in Cases of Infection in Your School
The first thing the CDC recommends you do if a student or faculty member tests positive for Covid-19 is not to panic. One case does not justify closing an entire school. You should begin contact tracing and notify those people who have been in close contact with the positive test first.
The next step is to clean and disinfect all areas the case was thought to have been. This is where Hiring a BSC for Your School has lots of advantages because they will be trained and ready to address problems such as a reported infection. They will know how to use the necessary equipment needed to disinfect classrooms and other areas. And, if they were already following an enhanced cleaning routine, then community spread as a result from a reported case should be reduced because of their diligence.
SMO Works stays up-to-date on CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting classrooms and schools. To schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can benefit your school or university, contact us today.
