The purpose of the above-mentioned document: cleaning recommendations for non-medical locations (ex. Rooms, offices, transport, Teaching-upbringing facilities, etc.), individuals infected/ ill with new coronavirus COVID-19 have visited. The abovementioned recommendations are based on current knowledge about COVID-19 and allegations resulting from researches carried out on other coronaviruses.

Target audience: Governmental and non-Governmental organizations, Facilities and other interested structures, individual.

COVID-19: Provoking agent SARS-CoV 2, by which there are already a big number of infected people registered in many countries, belongs to the Betacoronavirus genera group, which is a part of membraned, positive, single-stranded RNA Coronaviridae family. Coronaviruses are, most commonly, spread by respiratory droplets, by close contact, on the other hand, other ways of transmission also may be possible.

Stability in environment of this virus is not fully inquired, but based on the researches carried out for evaluating the stability of other coronaviruses in the environment, Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV) is stable in the environment for a couple of days, what concerns the middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is stable for more than 48 hours in room temperature (20 ° C) on different surfaces.

 Cleaning guidelines: based on current knowledge, since the vitality of a virus can last for a couple of days, rooms, zones, storage rooms which are potentially contaminated with SARS-CoV2, must be cleaned, before usage, with antimicrobial solutions (disinfectants), which are effective against coronavirus. 

Despite the lack of allegations, water, and household detergents are enough for prophylactic cleaning against SARS-CoV-2. Researches were carried out to assess the effectiveness of a couple of antimicrobials (Table 1) against coronavirus. Indicated substances with active ingredients (ex: Sodium Hypochlorite (a constituent of Household whitener) and Ethanol), is broadly available.

In the latest researches, the effectiveness of different disinfectants is compared to each other.

It is acquired, that after one-minute contact with a solid surface, 70 % concentrated ethanol, has got a comparatively strong effect on different coronaviruses, unlike 0.06% Sodium Hypochlorite.

Tests carried out on SARS-CoV showed, that Sodium hypochlorite usage is also effective in concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 % after five minutes. Similar results were acquired with usage of household detergents, which consist of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Alkyl Polyglycosides and Diethanolamide of coco-fatty acid.

Table 1. antimicrobial agents, which are effective against different coronaviruses (human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV-2 and MHV-N), Dog coronavirus (CCV), Gastroenteritis contagious virus (TGEV) and Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS)- CoV)

Recommended rule for cleaning: It is expedient to use 0.1 % Sodium hypochlorite (meaning Neutral detergent) (resolving 1:50, if household whitener is used- with initial 5 % concentration) for surface decontamination purposes, although there are no records about its effectiveness against SARS CoV2.

For surfaces that may be damaged by Sodium Hypochlorite, 70 % Ethanol or other specimens can be used for decontamination, after neutral washing detergent usage. 

Cleaning must be carried out using adequate Personal Protection Equipment (Rules for putting on and removing PPE can be found in a technical document of ECDC “Safe use of Personal Protective Equipment for highly infectious Diseases” or at www.ncdc.ge

Disposable PPE must be considered as potentially infectious specimen and be eliminated according to approved rules. The usage of disposable or specially assigned cleaning devices is also recommended. Reusable PPE must be disinfected after finishing the job. (ex: 0.1% Sodium Hypochlorite or 70% ethanol). While using all chemical substances, recommendations of manufacturers must be taken into account.  While using chemical substances for cleaning, as a rule, the unit must be ventilated to protect the health of individuals carrying out the cleaning.

Presumable recommendations for cleaning units contaminated with SARS-CoV2 are:

×          Filter containing Respirator, Class 2 or 3 (FFP2 or FFP3)

×          Goggles or facial protection shield

×          Disposable or reusable long-sleeved waterproof clothes

×          Disposable gloves

Frequently touched surfaces (walls, doors, doorknobs, steering-wheel, windows, lavatory bowl, bath surfaces) should be thoroughly cleaned. All fabrics (ex: linen, curtains, etc.) must be washed with the cycle of hot water (90°C) and washing detergents additionally.