Gwangju Quarantine Authorities: "20-30% Positive Results in Environmental Samples from Some Facilities with Confirmed Cases"

Surface disinfection recommended over spray disinfection

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The quarantine authorities of Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 28th that 20-30% of the samples collected and tested from some facilities where COVID-19 confirmed cases occurred showed positive reactions.

Currently, it is understood that most disinfection methods are mainly conducted by spray disinfection rather than on frequently touched surfaces.

Also, to enhance disinfection effectiveness, pre-treatment (removal of organic matter and cleaning) before disinfection and maintaining the surface for a certain period after wiping are recommended, but these steps are often shortened or omitted.

Many facilities contract with private disinfection companies to carry out disinfection, but there is also a problem of insufficient management and supervision of these private companies.

Accordingly, the quarantine authorities requested to refrain from spray disinfection and to strengthen management and supervision to ensure surface disinfection is properly conducted.

A quarantine official stated, “The disinfection method of spraying disinfectant increases the risk of generating and inhaling infectious aerosols and has unclear contact coverage between the disinfectant and surfaces, resulting in insufficient disinfection effect, so it should not be applied to surface disinfection,” and emphasized, “If the product instructions for the disinfectant specify spraying or misting methods, the disinfectant should be sprayed onto a disposable cloth (towel) and then used to wipe the surface.”

They also added, “Sufficient ventilation is necessary to allow contaminants in the air to be expelled outside,” and “When using environmental disinfectants, please be sure to check the expiration date, follow the manufacturer’s recommended safety usage methods, precautions, and other guidelines.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.