You most likely did not know the name coronavirus until very recently when it came to the forefront of world news as a dangerous illness that had become a public health emergency starting in China. Thousands of people have fallen ill and 900 people in mainland China have died since the outbreak began. 

What is Coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, coronavirus, also known as CoV, is actually not just one virus but a family of viruses. These viruses can cause a wide range of symptoms, from common cold-like symptoms to more acute respiratory issues similar to those of Pneumonia. 

While it is believed the outbreak originated in China, there have since been over a thousand reported cases worldwide and these reports have come from over 100 different countries, including the United States. The number is constantly being updated, but this is the most recent information available as of February 6, 2020. 

Knowledge is limited as to this specific virus, known as 2019-nCoV and also Wuhan coronavirus or Novel coronavirus. Because it’s in the same family as SARS and other coronaviruses, doctors have been able to determine more about how it is spread and how to prevent it. 

The most common way the virus spreads is animal-to-person, and they are now seeing that it can spread person-to-person. When an infected person coughs or sneezes within 6 feet of another person, the virus can be transmitted to that person. 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) hasn’t been able to determine whether or not the virus can be transmitted via touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes, so it’s especially important to keep high-contact areas in your building cleaned. 

Don’t panic, there are ways to help ensure that your building stays free from coronavirus and other viruses this season. 

Get Help with Prevention

“ There is a very big correlation between cleanliness, sanitization, disinfection, and health.” 

Patty Olinger, Global Virus Advisory Council

 Preventing coronavirus in your building is a task that needs to be tackled from several angles. The CDC advises that routine environmental cleaning should be performed in the workplace to assist with prevention. Regular hand washing is a crucial step that is up to your employees to do. To ensure all surfaces are regularly sanitized, consider enlisting the help of a commercial cleaning company. 

A commercial cleaning company will have your back in preventing coronavirus along with helping to provide peace of mind to you, your employees, and your customers. Stress is high with the unknown elements of coronavirus and the news discussing the dangers constantly. A commercial cleaning company like AHI will give you peace of mind that your building will be properly cleaned and that the task won’t be added to your current employees’ plate. 

 It can feel overwhelming not knowing everything about the virus and how it works, but you’re not alone. If you need help with your commercial cleaning and have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.