QC PR
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has approved the recommended guidelines on the preferred method for cleaning and disinfection of critical infrastructure and the environment amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Belmonte signed the proposal crafted by the Quezon City Incident Management Team on COVID-19, stressing that there should be clear processes when it comes to disinfecting infrastructure and other public areas in the city.
“Mahalagang may malinaw tayong mga pagkilos sa paglilinis ng mga pampublikong lugar upang mapigil natin ang pagkalat ng COVID-19,” said Belmonte.
In its recommendation, the management team said it is necessary that evidence-based protocols are established on the ideal means of cleaning and disinfecting various buildings and other public spaces.
“Failure to properly disinfect the environment carries not only risk associated with breach of host barriers but also risk for person-to-person transmission and transmission of environmental pathogens,” said Belmonte.
The guidelines cover public outdoor spaces, including but not limited to parks, roads, markets, and other open spaces, building facades, health care and community caring facilities environment and vehicles used to transport suspected, probable and confirmed cases.
Vehicles used to transport cadavers with COVID-19 probable or related causes of deaths, other public facilities and funeral parlors dedicated for use in COVID-19 related operations and residential areas and communities are also included.
The order mandates that public outdoor spaces and building facades will be disinfected through spraying disinfectants evenly across all exposed public features, including roads sidewalks, walls and vehicle exteriors.
At least one day prior to the operations, concerned barangays will be informed about it so they can advise residents to stay indoors and away from areas being disinfected.
Selection of areas for disinfection will be conducted through evidence-based risk assessment by the local government, based on the current COVID-19 situation.
For indoor spaces and environmental surfaces in healthcare, community care facilities and funeral parlors, they should be cleaned on a regular basis, especially when they are soiled.
It is also advised that walls, blinds and window curtains in areas should be cleaned frequently when these surfaces are visibly contaminated or soiled.
When it comes to vehicle interior and upholstery, misting and spraying of disinfectant should be conducted twice a day. The disinfectant should be dried completely before using the vehicle again.
The management team insisted that manufacturer’s instructions for proper use of disinfecting products should be followed, including the recommended use-dilation, material compatibility, storage, shelf life and safe use and disposal.
All personnel conducting disinfection and cleaning operations must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing their task.
The management team is led by incident commanders Dr. Esperanza Arias, officer in charge of the City Health Department (CHD), QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) head Michael Marasigan and Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, District Director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
