What You Need to Know-Week of April 27th

April 27, 2020 Paulina Colombo
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Updates
The most important weekly updates for you to keep your community healthy



In this Update:

1. Disinfection

2. Outdoor Activities

3. COVID-19 and Temperatures



1. Disinfection


We heard from many of you last week that you have a shortage of certain cleaning and disinfecting supplies. At the same time, there are also increasing reports of poisonings due to improper use of cleaning products. We want to address both of those concerns this week. Here are some dos and don’ts for how to safely clean and disinfect without using bleach or other common supplies that may be currently unavailable and do’s and don’ts to keep you safe when you do have them!

NO Disinfectants on hand?
DO THIS		Do NOT Do This
  • Use dish soap and water on surfaces to reduce the amount of germs
  • Use disposable materials to wipe surfaces
  • Frequently wash cleaning towels and sponges
  • Wet your sponge or dishcloth and microwave it on high for two minutes to kill any germs (you must wet it for your safety)
    CAREFUL – IT WILL BE HOT!

  • Use the same cloth or sponge without laundering or cleaning
  • Use the same cloth or sponge for the kitchen and the bathroom
Using disinfectants or bleach? DO THISDo NOT Do This
  • Follow directions on the bottle
  • Have good ventilation and use gloves
  • Rinse surfaces that are near food preparation areas after using disinfectants or bleach
  • Store ALL disinfectants and bleach  out of reach of children and pets
  • Do not mix cleaning products 
    this can cause poisonous gases to form
  • Avoid using DIY or homemade cleaners
  • Do not store hand sanitizer where children can reach them
  • Do not soak produce or food items in cleaning products

Detailed information about cleaning and disinfecting can be found here (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html) and for questions about disinfecting products please call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (1-800-222-1222) or post your question to our Community Forum.


2. Outdoor Activities


It’s heating up in Arizona and many of us are spending more time indoors during this time due to closures of other recreational areas. Getting outdoors can be very beneficial for both mental and physical health!  In Arizona there are always necessary precautions to be taken in order to safely participate in outdoor activities like applying sun protection and having enough water, but now there are a few more additional steps needed to be taken in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

  • Sun exposure may kill the virus on surfaces but it does not prevent people from transmitting the virus between each other outdoors.
  • Exposures to temperatures above 77 degrees fahrenheit will not prevent the virus
  • The virus is still able to spread in warmer temperatures
  • Taking hot baths or using hand dryers are not effective methods for preventing or killing COVID-19
  • Avoid UV lamps or lights, as they can be harmful to the skin and do not prevent infection


3. COVID-19 and Temperatures


Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 cases will reduce as outdoor temperatures rise. Confirmed cases are steadily increasing in Arizona and other parts of the world despite warmer temperatures. Here are some important facts about what we know about COVID-19 and temperature.

  • Sun exposure may kill the virus on surfaces but it does not prevent people from transmitting the virus between each other outdoors.
  • Exposures to temperatures above 77 degrees fahrenheit will not prevent the virus
  • The virus is still able to spread in warmer temperatures
  • Taking hot baths or using hand dryers are not effective methods for preventing or killing COVID-19
  • Avoid UV lamps or lights, as they can be harmful to the skin and do not prevent infection


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