ITS Environmental Services is a leading expert in the disinfection of Coronavirus COVID-19. We provide emergency commercial and residential Coronavirus COVID-19 disinfecting services throughout New York, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in need of disinfection services for Coronavirus COVID-19, please contact us for a free inspection and no-obligation estimate. We are here to help keep you and your family safe and get you and your employees back to business safely. For more information about Coronavirus COVID-19, please see our resources pages, which include information from the CDC, NYS and our disinfection protocol.
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV); and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
Genealogy
Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2 based virus) is an RNA based enveloped virus. Enveloped viruses contain a lipid membrane on the cell wall which adheres to the host cell in order to proliferate. This being the case, the cell wall is easily penetrable to most common disinfectants. Common EPA approved disinfectant makeup can be Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Phenolic Based products and some Hydrogen Peroxide based formulas.
Transmission of COVID-19
Coronavirus is most commonly transmitted from person to person, through droplet nuclei spread out from breathing, coughing or sneezing. Droplets can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and are highly respirable. It can also be spread through contact on surfaces. The virus can remain viable on surfaces from several hours up to 9 days depending on ambient conditions, amount of moisture in droplets, etc. The virus is contagious in a person when their symptoms are evident, as well as before and after visible signs of symptoms. People who no longer test positive for the virus may still be infectious. Information on the transmission of the Coronavirus COVID-19 is being updated as doctors learn more about the virus and how it spreads. We will continue to provide the most up to date information as quickly as possible. Please refer to the CDC website for additional and up-to-the-date information about COVID-19, other variants and vaccinations.
Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Eradication Method
Step 1: Ultra Low Volume (ULV) misting or electrostatic spray of certain affected areas with EPA approved hospital grade disinfectant. This mist will eradicate any aerosolized particles allowing for a safer entry of decontamination personnel. Misting is calculated on cubic footage of the affected area.
Step 2: Electrostatic spray application of EPA Approved Hospital Grade disinfectant. Positively charged ions are produced within the chemical which adhere to surfaces in the affected area. This ensures total coverage of the affected area for wiping and disruption of any biofilm.
Step 3: After a 10 minute dwell time surface wiping of critical contact areas begins. Fixtures, keyboards, phones, door handles, certain contents within the affected area are hand wiped. A 10 minute dwell time should be allowed post wipe down by any cleaning service following.
Step 4: Client should contact their regular cleaning company to address and clean any residual disinfectant.
Personal Protective Equipment PPE
Technicians are required to don full Level “C” personal protective equipment during the decontamination of contaminated zone procedure in areas where cases have been confirmed. Splash resistant coveralls, shoe covers, double gloves, full face Air Purifying Respirator (APR) or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). Coveralls should be decontaminated with electrostatic spray prior to doffing and disposal. Level “D” PPE is sufficient in unaffected/pre-emptive disinfection projects & for final surface wipe of contaminated zone areas.
The CDC advises that the following precautions are taken to lessen the risk of contracting COVID-19:
Prevention
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC also recommends getting vaccinated, as well as taking everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wear a protective face mask when social distancing cannot be practiced.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.