COVID-19 and Delta Variant Knowledge Center
As Jon-Don continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 and the Delta variant and respond to the new and evolving situation, our goal remains to protect the health and safety of our customers, employees, and vendor partners. This website provides the resources and information you need to help guide you through these uncertain times.
Recommended Cleaning Protocols for Residential & Commercial Facilities
General Cleaning and Disinfectant Application Guidelines
- Remove dry soils (dust) from surfaces using a microfiber cloth. All high-touch surfaces must be cleaned before disinfectant application takes place. Dust, debris, and soils will deactivate disinfectants.
- Once dry soils and dust are removed, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, residues, caked-on food/spills, etc. Use a cleaning product approved for use on the surface being cleaned.
- Once the surface has been cleaned, disinfectant can be applied. We recommend that you use disinfectants found on the EPA's List N of Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. Follow instructions on the label for proper application procedures, PPE requirements, and dwell time.
What is a High-Touch Surface?
High-touch surfaces are surfaces that are handled frequently throughout the day, and by numerous people. These areas include doorknobs, light switches, phones, sink faucets, armchairs, fridge handles, etc. These surfaces can become contaminated by direct contact with your hands or through indirect contact with other contaminated objects, such as inadequately cleaned rags and sponges or improperly washed hands. Pathogens can stay on surfaces if they are not properly removed.
For example, hepatitis A and Rotavirus can survive up to one month on hard, non-porous surfaces, while noroviruses can survive up to 42 days on the same type of surfaces. With SARS-CoV-2, high-touch surfaces have been shown to play a role in the collection of the virus both directly (contaminated hands to the surface) and indirectly (contamination from the surface, then subsequent hand-to T-zone of eyes, nose and mouth).
Disinfection vs. Sanitization
When decontaminating surfaces, it is important to understand there are differences between disinfectants and sanitizers.
Disinfectants are used on hard inanimate surfaces and objects in order to destroy or irreversibly inactivate infectious fungi, bacteria, and viruses that are listed on the label.
Sanitizers are used to reduce, but not necessarily eliminate, bacteria and fungi from an inanimate surface to levels considered acceptable as determined by public health codes and regulations. Generally, sanitizers are used on food-contact surfaces and disinfectants on all other hard surfaces. Fabric and carpet can only be sanitized.
Government Links to Monitor
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its Delta Variant is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The CDC says that the Delta Variant is more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus. For the latest updates, please see official communications from the following sources:
Industry Resources
- Delta Variant: What We Know About the Science
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Our Essential Industry: Report No.5, Oct 26th 2020
- Recommendations for USING DISINFECTANTS for the Cleaning and Forensic Restoration Industry in Response to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
- Recommendations for Personal Protective Equipment for the Cleaning and Forensic Restoration Industry in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Recommendations for RISK ASSESSMENT for the Cleaning and Forensic Restoration Industry in Response to COVID-19
- Microbial Warrior Workshop This course teaches cleaning professionals to prepare for, respond to and recover from biohazards in the workplace. Participants will learn infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease outbreak situations such as the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).