Coronavirus Government Response Update—EPA Approves First Surface Disinfectants Effective Against SARS-CoV-2

Welcome to the Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep ISSA members up to date on fast-moving government affairs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public policy issues important to the cleaning industry. Today’s update touches on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)  approval of the first surface disinfectant products tested on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the EPA studying the effectiveness of disinfectants, the Trump administration’s release of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan data, and more.

EPA Approves First Surface Disinfectant Products Tested on the SARS-CoV-2 Virus
The EPA has approved two products, Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127) as effective for killing the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, based on laboratory testing. EPA’s list of products that meet the agency’s criteria for effective use against SARS-CoV-2 (known as List N) includes more than 420 products, and these are the list’s first two products for which the EPA has reviewed laboratory testing data and approved label claims against SARS-CoV-2. The EPA expects to approve such claims for additional List N products in the coming weeks. 

EPA Studying the Effectiveness of Longer-Lasting Disinfectants
During the global pandemic, EPA recognizes the need for information on better ways to reduce potential exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. These needs are most obvious for surfaces that are frequently touched by many people. EPA researchers are evaluating a number of commercially available products for potential long-lasting effectiveness against coronavirus.

Trump Administration Releases PPP Loan Data
The Trump administration released data about recipients of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which has been of interest to lawmakers as they conduct oversight of the small-business loan program. Data released on loans made under the PPP of at least US$150,000 include the names, addresses, business type, and a range for the dollar amount of the loan. Data released on loans of under $150,000 do not include the names and addresses of recipients. The PPP is supporting about 51.1 million jobs, which amounts to as much as 84 percent of all employees of small businesses, according to The Hill. 27 percent of the funds are going to low- and moderate-income census tracts.

Other links of interest:

• ISSA Coronavirus Government Response FAQ
• Support Advocacy on behalf of the Cleaning Industry: Invest in the ISSA Advocacy Fund Today
• Enhance the Voice of the Cleaning Industry: Share Your Elected Official Contacts with ISSA
• EPA Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources