California Department of Public Health
March 2, 2020
TO: People with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 who are able to receive care at home, household members and caregivers
SUBJECT: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Cleaning and Waste Management Considerations for Residences
This document provides guidance to people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 who are able to receive care at home, and to their household members and/or caregivers, regarding the cleaning of residences and disposal of waste.*
General Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released general guidance on their website, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which should be reviewed closely and checked regularly. Additionally, the CDPH webpage, Coronavirus Disease 2019, provides general information on how to limit the spread of COVID-19:
• Washing hands with soap and water.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• If you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough, stay away from work, school or other people.
These are all ways to reduce the risk of infection with a number of different viruses.
Residence Decontamination and Removal of COVID-19 Waste
CDC has released Interim Guidance for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease2019 (COVID-19) in Homes and Residential Communities.
That document provides detailed guidance, but these are the key current recommendations of the CDC and CDPH regarding cleaning and waste disposal:
- Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol. Handwashing- Clean Hands Save Lives.
- Respiratory etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw into a lined trash container.
- Avoid sharing personal household items, dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Wash laundry thoroughly: Wear disposable gloves while handling soiled items. Read and follow the directions on the labels of bedding, clothing, detergent and/or washing machines. Dry thoroughly using the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label.
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, fixtures, toilets, phones, etc. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a regular household cleaning spray or wipe according to the label instructions, which include precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure to have good ventilation during use of the product.
- When removing personal protective equipment, first remove and dispose of gloves. Then immediately clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Next, remove and dispose of facemask, and immediately clean your hands again with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Place all used gloves, facemasks and other contaminated items in a lined container before disposing of them with other household waste.
- Clean your hands (with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately after handling these items.
Individuals may also consult with their local health department or healthcare provider for any COVID-19 related issues.