The State of COVID-19 at the beginning of 2022

Concerns about COVID-19 remain abundant. However, recent statistics offer encouragement and hope for the future. At the beginning of December, the CDC announced the arrival of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Less than two months later, the New York Times published an article titled Omicron in Retreat, discussing the significant decline in cases throughout the United States.

A decline in cases does not merit a decrease in cleaning protocols, however. The CDC predicted that Omicron would spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, including among the vaccinated and asymptomatic. Keeping your home and workplace disinfected is a vital way to halt the spread of the virus.

Omicron on surfaces
Like other COVID viruses, the Omicron variant can survive on non-porous surfaces for days or even weeks. Because of this, surfaces should be cleaned throughout the day, especially in facilities that receive a great deal of traffic from the public or employees.

To further reduce surface transmission, consider utilizing touch-free dispensers for your cleaning and sanitizing needs. The Dreumex Omnicare line provides touch-free hand soap dispersal. In addition, the Monk® Wipes Wall Mount Dispenser and Stainless Steel Stand make it easy for individuals to disinfect by single-handedly pulling out a wipe. They are especially ideal in facilities where multiple people use disinfecting wipes.

List-N cleaning supplies remain critical in keeping surfaces clean
The EPA continues to recommend the use of List-N cleaning supplies to keep surfaces disinfected and prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These disinfectants are effective against all COVID strands, including the Omicron variant. High-touch surfaces should be cleaned regularly in communal areas, like company lunchrooms, meeting spaces, or in homes before and after having visitors.

Recent COVID updates from the CDC
Although the recommendation of List-N products has remained constant throughout the pandemic, other recommendations have changed as scientists learn more about the virus. In Mid-January, the CDC updated their mask recommendations. As supply shortages are no longer a concern, Americans are now encouraged to wear N95 or KN95 masks if available.

In addition, updated guidelines have substantially reduced the amount of time needed to quarantine with a COVID-19 diagnosis. New advice from the CDC states that it is only necessary to isolate for five days as long as symptoms are gone or resolving, which includes being fever-free for 24 hours. During and after isolation, remain diligent in disinfecting surfaces in your home, especially in common areas. This can reduce the chance of spreading COVID to other members of the household.

Continued diligence
It is important to continue following all safety and health protocols to protect the wellbeing of your family, friends, colleagues, and yourself. Dreumex is here to offer support for all of your cleaning and disinfecting needs.