CDC: Disinfecting Surfaces ‘Usually Not Needed’ to Lower COVID Risk

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The latest guidance from the CDC suggests that excessive disinfecting isn’t usually necessary unless someone in your home is sick or has had confirmed exposure to COVID-19. If you’ve been haunted by memories of the early pandemic days, when many believed it was essential to wipe down groceries and sanitize every surface, you can now relax a bit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that “the risk of surface transmission is low” for the virus. As long as you are not in close proximity to anyone confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, your ordinary cleaning routine should be adequate.

According to CNN, CDC officials have confirmed that surface transmission is generally minimal. Vincent Hill, head of the Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, noted that this transmission type is secondary to the primary methods of virus spread, which occur through droplets and aerosols. While it’s still wise to avoid licking subway poles, most household surfaces can safely be maintained with regular cleaning practices. Hill mentioned that the risk is higher on hard, indoor surfaces, but the virus quickly dies on porous materials and on surfaces exposed to sunlight, as the sun can help break down harmful molecules.

However, surface transmission is believed to be most significant within the first 24 hours of infection, when individuals are often unaware they have COVID. CDC testing revealed that in homes with a confirmed case, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces helped prevent the virus from spreading to others in the household. If you are uncertain about potential exposure, Hill suggests it’s a good idea to disinfect high-touch areas, like doorknobs and light switches. Still, disinfecting should complement, not replace, other effective safety measures like maintaining distance, wearing masks, and washing hands regularly.

Hill affirmed, “In most situations, cleaning surfaces with soap or detergent, rather than disinfecting, is enough to minimize the already low risk of virus transmission through surfaces.” He added, “Disinfecting is typically not necessary unless a sick individual or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 has been in the home in the past 24 hours.”

Hill cautioned against what he referred to as “hygiene theater,” which may give people a false sense of security if they neglect essential prevention measures. Also, it’s crucial to use cleaning products correctly. Misusing these products—like spraying them on your skin—can be hazardous. “Public inquiries indicate that some individuals may intentionally ingest or inhale disinfectants, unaware that this could cause serious harm,” Hill said.

In summary: don’t mix bleach and ammonia, avoid applying household cleaners to your skin, and never ingest cleaning products. Make sure everyone in your household follows these guidelines.

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