COVID-19 Update: CDC Develops Coronavirus/Flu Test, Disney World Updates Housekeeping Policies

Is it Flu or Is it COVID-19?

While cleaning for COVID-19 is a new protocol for facility managers, many are accustomed to deep-cleaning and disinfecting their buildings for the flu. Schools are especially diligent come flu season, as many have had to temporarily close their buildings to clean and disinfect when a high percentage of students and teachers come down with the flu.

As infection control specialists predict a second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus may occur in the fall, the same time as flu season, professional cleaners will be hit with a double whammy of trying to eliminate both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and influenza viruses from facilities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a new test that can simultaneously detect the coronavirus and the influenza virus, Modern Healthcare reports. The CDC is seeking emergency use authorization for the test from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Knowledge of which illness they are dealing with can help facilities make better decisions as to whether they need to close buildings temporarily or long term or follow other safety protocols. Although a few diagnostic panels that test for COVID-19 and influenza at the same time already exist in the United States, there have been problems with the reliability of the results.

Disney World Tweaks Resort Housekeeping Policies

Walt Disney World prides itself on providing excellent services to guests at its various resorts. When the four Disney parks in Orlando, Florida, reopen mid-July, housekeeping staff will be following stricter cleaning guidelines, ComicBook reports.

High-traffic areas of the resorts, such as lobbies, will undergo more frequent cleanings. Staff will also wipe down surfaces more frequently in common-use areas, such as hallways, elevators, and dining rooms.

To limit contact between guests and housekeeping staff, guest rooms will be lightly cleaned every other day, with the option of declining cleaning services. Extra linens will be available, and all glassware will be double-wrapped and pillows double-cased.

In-room celebrations, dry cleaning, and valet laundry will not be available, also to limit the number of people in guest rooms.