This pandemic has made inevitable changes to the lifestyle of every individual. More than all these changes in the usual everyday routine, it made us realize the importance of our loved ones and the significance of being extra careful to help reduce the continuously rising number of infected with the virus.
On a personal level, we can be dealing with this responsibly and only going out of our homes when the need arises (groceries and work). Let’s avoid going out if nothing important is in our agendas. Nowadays, almost all transactions and errands can be done online. In the Philippines, digital transformation has never been so fast due to its rising need for convenience.
If and when we are exposed to a person with the virus, it has been advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) to immediately take a fourteen-day (14) quarantine to help contain the spread of the virus. In this fourteen-day quarantine, our immune system will also be acting up to defend our body if there will be infections.
On a good note, the virus cannot last on physical objects and surfaces. The virus cannot reproduce itself on surfaces. The risk is lower but it would still be useful to disinfect everything. “We have realized over the past year that surfaces do not play a significant role in transmitting the virus, as the virus is unlikely to stay alive on surfaces for long. A simple swabbing of surfaces with an alcohol-based (at least 70 percent alcohol) sanitizer should suffice. Start with commonly touched items in the house like doorknobs, tables, switches, refrigerator handles, phone, etc,” says Dr. Pinto
As the majority of the residents of condos and apartments are part of the working class, we need to make sure our units are regularly cleaned and sanitized. As part of the backbone of the economy, it will cost us more if we lose our jobs due to covid. The following points are tips and measures we can take as a preventive measure and or a post mortem after a fourteen-day quarantine to make condominium units as clean and sanitized as possible.
Preventive measures to remember:
- Constant handwashing is a must! Everywhere we go, we must wash our hands from time to time for 20 seconds. Avoid turbo hand air dryers as they may blow some air that contains particles of germs and viruses. So it’s better to use paper towels or your handkerchiefs.
- Keep social distance from people. It is still highly advised to avoid crowded places as the virus is normally transmitted in the air via sneezes, coughs, and bodily fluids.
- Mask up. A face mask is your best friend in keeping you and the people around you safe from possible transmissions. Double masking is encouraged. It will not provide you with less oxygen but it can increase the effectiveness of your air’s filtration.
- Get vaccinated! While there is a cure yet to be developed, we need to increase the capability of our immune system. Any vaccine is OK. Go to your barangay/municipality websites to know more.
Best Practices to Disinfect a Room After Quarantine and Isolation
- Before you disinfect a room used for quarantine, it is better to leave the room unopened and unoccupied for a week to lessen the remnants of the virus. After leaving it for a week, the week the windows opened to increase airflow for the safety of those who will be cleaning the unit.
- Gear up! Use disposable gloves and a facemask while cleaning. Dispose of after using.
- Important cleaning materials to remember:
- Bleach (in small amouns)
- Rubbing alcohol (70% solution)
- Disinfectant sprays
- Detergent.
- Disposable wipes.
- UV Light (if you have)
- Reusable spray bottles
- Clean the room using the Top Bottom Method. In the literal sense, the cleaner should clean the unit from top to bottom. Why? Gravity.
- Clean the commonly used surfaces and items. The cleaner should put focus on surfaces like tables, countertops, chairs, sofas, and beds. For hard surfaces, rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle is a good cleaning solution for areas for eating and sitting. Disinfectant sprays (Lysol) for soft surfaces like couches and mattresses.
- Wash all covers and curtains. Apart from the usual detergents, add a bit of color-safe bleach to increase the effectiveness in killing germs and viruses.
- Clean the electronics using a damped cloth with alcohol like remotes, TVs.
- Empty the refrigerator, throw out everything, and defrost it. Leave the unit air-dried for a day before using it again.
- Ensure a deep clean of the bathroom. Remove all disposables and used toothbrushes. Make sure to clean out the sinks, toilets, and drains. Wash all surfaces using a detergent, alcohol, and bleach.
- Finally, give the room a final spray of your disinfectant sprays. While running the AC unit with the windows still open.
Post clean up steps
The cleaner should dispose of all gloves and masks used, disinfect all cleaning materials used, and take a long bath. Being exposed to an infected room, he or she should also brush and use mouthwash after. Take a few paracetamols to prevent any infection. As advised by the Department of Health (DOH) to take ten days (10) to isolate people exposed to areas with the virus. Take a rapid test RT-PTCR to ensure he or she is safe and not infected with the covid 19 virus.
As we continue to fight covid 19, prevention is always better than the cure. Let us remember to help others when able. Remind our loved ones to be careful. Eat healthily. Maintain a healthy lifestyle Stay informed. Correct others for misinformation with kindness.
Vista Residences is the condominium development arm of the country's largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. which offers top-tier properties across the country’s premier universities and developed business districts. It currently has rent-to-own, ready for occupancy, and pre-selling condo projects in Quezon City, Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Cagayan de Oro and investment-ready projects in Pasig, Taguig, Manila, Cebu, and Baguio.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
