CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Public health officials have identified COVID-19 (formerly 2019-nCoV) as an international public health emergency. Keystone provides expertise and guidance for how to help combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep employees and customers safe. We recommend continuing to refer to the WHO or your local public health agency for up-to-date information.

How can my business combat COVID-19?

Work with your Keystone team to determine which disinfectant products, training and compliance education opportunities exist for your business. Contact us to learn more about our products and programs that can help you combat COVID-19. Get the facts, learn prevention tips, and access a readiness kit with our Coronavirus-specific resources below.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP COMBAT COVID-19?

Focus on standard infection control practices, training and compliance.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

When soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Minimize close contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory illness.

Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Clean and disinfect surfaces and high-touch objects with approved disinfectants.

Q&A WITH ECOLAB EXPERTS

Ruth Petran, Ph.D., CFS is Senior Corporate Scientist, Food Safety and Public Health for Ecolab. Read Dr. Petran's responses to COVID-19 questions for food service and general infection prevention.

Do I need to increase my usage rate or dose of disinfectant or cleaner?

Do you have a product for use against coronavirus?

Yes, we offer specific disinfectants that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses like the one causing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) when used as directed. We also offer guidance and training on proper cleaning procedures to help reduce COVID-19 risk. If you are a current customer, you should speak with your account executive for specific information. If you are not a current customer, please contact us via email or phone.

How long will coronaviruses survive on surfaces?

The short answer is we don’t know yet. This is a new virus and studies are just beginning. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that transmission of COVID-19 is not that likely to occur from an infected surface. Practically, the risk will be much lower from surfaces than from a direct droplet traveling through the air from an infected person. As in any potential outbreak situation, proper infection prevention with disinfectant for surfaces and high-touch surfaces is recommended.

Since testing is not possible using COVID-19, how do you determine what kinds of chemical disinfectants can be used against COVID-19?

For emerging or novel viruses like COVID-19, companies are unable to acquire the outbreak strain of virus to test the efficacy of their disinfectant products. Certain countries have policies or general claims that address this (e.g. US EPA Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance*, EU viral claims) by utilizing a hierarchy of susceptibility of viruses to disinfectants. In general, these policies are based on the ability of a product to kill a ‘harder to kill’ virus and may or may not require preapproval for use in outbreak situations. Care must be taken to use the appropriate dilution at the correct contact time for the suitable application listed on the product label to enable disinfection against SARS-CoV-2. If you are a current customer, you should speak with your account executive for specific information. If you are not a current customer, please visit Ecolab.com to contact us via email or phone.

*In the US a product must be preapproved by US EPA. It must be a hospital disinfectant and carry approved Emerging Viral Pathogen language on the master label.

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