insights
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources for Environmental Services
As an Environmental Services Professional, you are the front line in Infection Prevention in hospital environments. You know how to prepare for and manage viruses in your facility. Since 2020 you’ve been facing COVID-19 head on, and have donned PPE to take on the extra burden of disinfecting affected environments in your facilities.
To assist you in navigating the mounds of COVID-19 information online, here are quick links to factual resources we’ve found that are especially directed to Hospital Environmental Services:
Disinfecting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the latest recommendations for environmental services and infection prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. See the resources below for information about cleaning and disinfecting your facility and controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html
Environmental Infection Control Guidelines
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/index.html
Disinfectants
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) offers fact sheets and infographics outlining COVID-19 disinfectant safety tips and instructions.
Using Disinfectants to Control the COVID-19 Virus
Source: National Pesticide Information Center and Prevention
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/amicrob/covid19.html
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an up-to-date list of disinfectants to kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus, as well as helpful infographics and videos.
List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/about-list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19–0
Personal Protective Equipment
Follow the CDC chart below to learn the correct sequence for putting on and removing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Sequence for Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/ppe/ppe-sequence.pdf
This resource from the CDC offers strategies for optimizing PPE supplies, including respirators and face masks, during shortages.
Optimizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supplies
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html
Mental Health Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has been uniquely challenging to frontline healthcare workers. EVS workers have had to endure increased patient volume and workload as well as greater risks to personal health and the health of their families.
Use this information from Mental Health America to address problems such as sleep difficulties and emotional overload, and take online screening tests for mental health conditions.
Mental Health and COVID-19 Information and Resources
Source: Mental Health America
https://mhanational.org/covid19/frontline-workers
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has supplied a list of behavioral health resources to help frontline healthcare workers cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19: Stress and Coping Resources
Source: American Hospital Association
https://www.aha.org/behavioralhealth/covid-19-stress-and-coping-resources
The resources below can help you connect with licensed mental health professionals and support lines.
Mental Health Resources for Healthcare Workers and First Responders
Source: Heroes Health Initiative
https://heroeshealth.unc.edu/resources-for-health-care-workers/