CMM Weekly News Recap-February 14, 2020

Readers turn to CMM for advice on cleaning best practices and this week’s top news stories did not disappoint.

Researchers in Germany pinpointed an effective cleaning solution for COVID-19. After comparing 22 studies that dealt with disinfection techniques for human coronavirus, the scientists recommended using a solution that is 62% to 72% ethanol, .5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite. This solution is most effective if used within one minute of contamination time and is reliant on cleaning professionals following proper disinfection procedures and being consistent in their cleaning schedules.

Another study found an efficient and well-trained environmental services (EVS) team is more crucial to keeping hospital patient rooms clean than the latest technology.

Researchers took samples of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and aerobic bacterial colonies (ABC) from high-touch surfaces in patients’ rooms before EVS staff manually cleaned the rooms, after they cleaned the rooms, and after ultraviolet (UV) technology disinfection. Although the scientists found UV disinfection significantly lowers bacteria counts, it was most useful in supplementing the least efficient cleaning professionals. Researchers concluded an efficient EVS staff thoroughly trained in proper cleaning protocols is the best defense against hospital pathogens.  

Cleaning professionals in the Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis area made the news this week regarding organized labor issues. Custodians working in these metro areas have been negotiating their contracts under the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

The nearly 8,000 custodians servicing retail stores and office buildings in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area voted to begin a seven-day strike if a contract agreement is not reached by February 19. The workers are seeking sick time leave as well as increased wages.

More than 2,000 custodians in the St. Louis area avoided a strike by voting to approve a three-year contract. The new contract gives union members an average 14% hourly pay increase. It also gives the custodians paid sick days, additional paid vacation days, and ensures they will not see an increase in health care insurance costs.

Thank you for reading the weekly news update. CMM will be taking a holiday for Presidents Day on Monday but will be back with the news on Tuesday.