Keeping Coronavirus Isolation Centers Clean

With the continued rise in coronavirus cases across the world, most of the public health systems were forced to find other areas that could be used as isolation centers. As the name points out, isolation centers serve to isolate patients with the virus from the rest of the public and other patients you find in a hospital or a clinic. At these centers, patients are kept until they have fully recovered. Because of their use, isolation centers have become critical in containing the spread of coronavirus. The need to ensure these centers are disinfected is high, as failure to do so can lead to re-infections or spreading of the virus. The pandemic has placed many health systems under pressure to assist both infected and non-infected patients.

Isolation centers require more attention compared to other health centers. They must always be ready to take in individuals from practically all health centers – public and private. Since their primary role is to deal with coronavirus, patients who come in should be treated and handled with the necessary protocols. Isolation centers are high-risk areas and, as such, they should be well equipped with enough, appropriate personal protective equipment for the people working there. This PPE includes – but is not limited to – medical or surgical masks, respirators, eye goggles or face shields, reusable body gowns, disposable gloves, and knee-high footwear.

What are the Best Practices?

Disinfection: The ventilation system should work in such a way that the inside air does not escape to the outside. Since the virus is spread through micro-droplets in the air, disinfection should always be carried out to kill the virus. Luckily, there are a number of companies offering coronavirus spray services in Pakistan and can help maintain sterile conditions at these facilities.

Location of Isolation Centers: Ideally, isolation centers should be located far away from the public areas in order to limit the chances of exposure. However, many health systems have limited ideal spaces so temporary isolation centers have been set up. These should also be of approved standards to ensure safety for both patients and health workers.

General: One key way of trying to minimize the spread of the virus is hand-washing. Appropriate hand washing amenities and hand-hygiene supplies such as water, soap, and hand sanitizers should be available for the safety of the patients and medical staff. Furniture should also be kept at a minimum to decrease contact surfaces. If there is furniture, it should be easy to clean and it shouldn’t retain dirt or moisture.

A lot goes into the preparation of an isolation center and all steps have to be taken seriously to make sure they are of the highest quality. Both public and private sectors have to work together to combat the pandemic. Private firms like Power Facilities Management are also stepping up efforts to help in the fight by giving spraying services to both organizations and individuals to help curb the spread of the virus.