CLEANING and DISINFECTING:

Cleaning reduces germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects and works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. Cleaning of surfaces followed by disinfection is the best prace measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses.

Disinfecting kills (or inactiviates) germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works best for using chemicals, as directed, on surfaces after they've been properly cleaned.

This link is an overview of cleaning and disinfecting facilities (e.g., building, chairs, equipment, etc.). A refresher for cleaning and disinfecting transportation vehicles can be found here and is attached for reference.

I know that it may be hard to find wipes or sprays in the stores these days. In that case, you may consider making your our solution.

Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.
- Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 5%–6%. Ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection.
- Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Follow manufacturer's instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
To make a bleach solution, mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of room temperature water
- OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of room temperature water

Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.

Key Message: It's important to clean and disinfect.

TESTING:

Considerations for who should get tested

People who have symptoms of COVID-19
People who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19
People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, such as a local, tribal or state health department health department or their employer.

If you do get tested as a result of a known Covid-19 exposure, you should self-quarantine at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.

Results

If you test positive, know what protective steps to prevent others from getting sick.
If you test negative, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. Continue to take steps to protect yourself.

Key Message: A negative test does not mean you won't develop an infection from the close contact or contract an infection at a later time. Still, complete your quarantine period even if you tested negative. If you have been around someone with COVID-19, stay home away from others for 14 days (self-quarantine) after your last contact with that person and monitor your health.

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FACE COVERINGS AND MASKS:

New guidance about face coverings and masks was posted on the "Considerations for Wearing Masks" Webpage, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html#feasibility-adaptations.

An abbreviated summary is provided below for reference.

CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don't live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.
Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others (source control).

Of Note: CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering or disposable mask in public settings (pictured below) and when around people who don't live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.