Disinfection of high-touch surfaces is critical at this time

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). This new coronavirus that originated in Hubei Province, China is referred to as SARS-CoV-2 and is the virus that causes COVID-19.

Human coronaviruses are spread from someone infected with COVID-19 virus to their close contacts via contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.

The length of time that SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) survives on inanimate surfaces will vary depending on factors such as the amount of contaminated body fluid — such as respiratory droplets — present and environmental temperature and humidity.

High-touch surfaces such as bedrails, door handles, table-tops, light switches and taps may become contaminated directly with bodily fluids or indirectly with hands not properly washed. With the spread of COVID-19, it is critical that these high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected frequently or as needed; and good hand hygiene is observed at all times.

Surface cleaning and disinfection

The TGA recently released a public notice that the following surrogate viruses can be used in disinfectant efficacy tests to justify claims against COVID-19. These surrogate viruses are: Human coronavirus 229E and Murine hepatitis virus. Furthermore, in the event that these two viruses cannot be used, Bovine coronavirus and Feline coronavirus can be considered.

Diversey Australia and New Zealand are proud to announce Oxivir^® Tb (Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide^® [AHP^®] based formulation) is now approved with the label claim ‘Kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) in 1 minute’. This new claim is in addition to the current comprehensive list of virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal claims under ARTG 164850 for Oxivir Tb Wipes, standard, large, refill wipes and ARTG 165058 for Oxivir Tb Ready to Use (RTU) Liquid. In addition our Oxivir^® Five 16, Virex^® II and Taskforce^® J-Fill are now also approved with the label claim ‘Kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus)’. This new claim is in addition to the current comprehensive list of claims under ARTG 286618 for Oxivir^® Five 16 and ARTG 153031 for Virex II.

“As a global leader in the cleaning and hygiene industry Diversey Australia is working tirelessly to supply our valued customers with products which assist to limit the spread of COVID-19. I would like to extend my gratitude to our ANZ Technical team who have gained TGA approvals to add this additional claim against COVID-19. This claim brings greater confidence to the various sectors we service including Healthcare, Hospitality, BSC and Retail,” said Wayne Hill, Managing Director, Diversey ANZ.

The selection of the right disinfectant is critical. Oxivir^® Tb is low odour, sustainable, biodegradable yet a powerful alternative to bleach and quat based disinfectants. AHP has dual safety and efficacy profiles and should be considered for surface disinfection on high touch areas during the COVID-19 epidemic. The active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, breaks down to water and oxygen. Oxivir Tb is patient friendly and safe for staff, while being gentle on most surfaces.

Oxivir Five 16 is an Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide^® [AHP^®] based hospital grade cleaner disinfectant effective against a wide variety of pathogenic micro-organisms including viruses, bacteria, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, fungi, mould and mildew. Oxivir Five 16 kills pathogens including VRE, MRSA, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, E.coli, Norovirus, Hepatitis B, Influenza A, RSV, Human Coronavirus 229E. Kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus). Oxivir Five 16 delivers fast, effective cleaning and disinfecting performance in one step.

Virex II is low odour quaternary based hospital grade disinfectant cleaner that provides broad spectrum germicidal activity and kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus), HIV-1, HBV, VRE, MRSA, Avian Influenza Type A, Human Coronavirus 229E, controls mould and mildew and more.

For use in Diversey’s Quattro Select dispensing system, Taskforce J-Fill is a cleaner and disinfectant for use on all washroom hard surfaces. Kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus). When used as directed Taskforce J-Fill provides disinfecting action on hard surfaces, as well as providing concentrated cleaning power. Leaves a pleasant long-lasting fragrance.

“As cases of COVID-19 grow, the demand and urgency for cleaning and disinfection requirements has reached unprecedented levels. It was important we worked with the Australian TGA to add the COVID-19 claim to our range of products. It was also important we communicate this information to our valued customers. Whilst we celebrate this announcement, our stock level challenges persist due to unprecedented demands. We ask for patience as we service multiple essential services including healthcare and aged care facilities,” noted Debbie Walker, Marketing Manager ANZ.

The Australian Government Department of Health emphasises cleaning and disinfection as part of routine environmental and terminal cleaning. Good hand hygiene is equally important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Infection prevention: high-touch surfaces

Pathogens can be transferred to people from desks, keyboards, phones, door knobs, and other high touch surfaces. To minimise the spread, wipe common surfaces with Oxivir^® Tb wipes at least once a day.

Oxivir® Tb wipes kill viruses and bacteria such as MRSA, VRE, Influenza A, Norovirus and Human Coronavirus fast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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