Cases of Covid-19, the illness caused by the novel Coronavirus, has been circulating in Trinidad and Tobago since March, 2020. The basic advice has been to practice social distancing, stay home as much as possible, stay at least six feet away from each other, and wash hands frequently. Here are some additional cleaning tips that can help in battling this virus:

1. Clean electronic devices such as phones and tablets. Spray a non-abrasive, alcohol based cleaner on a microfiber cloth, to clean your devices. Pay special attention to the screen, the buttons, and anywhere dust and pocket lint tend to get trapped. Also remove and clean any case that is on your phone or tablet.
2. Clean your surfaces. When it comes to disinfecting, not all surfaces are the same. For instance, your kitchen counter might be easier to clean thoroughly than an item at the supermarket or the pump at the gas station. In these instances, it might be more practical to employ thorough hand sanitizing and hand washing strategies. Thoroughly wet and rub your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains a minimum of 60% ethyl alcohol also known as ethanol and let them air dry. If you are out, sanitize before getting into your car and touching the steering wheel.
3. In your home, focus on sanitizing surfaces you frequently come in contact with, including doorknobs, handrails, faucets, television remote controls, game controls, table surfaces, and light switches. Selecting the right product and observing the adequate level of surface saturation and contact time with the surface is critical. Preferably, use cleaning agents with active ingredients that include hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, citric acid, L-lactic acid, caprylic acid (octanoic acid) and thymol.
4. Read product labels before use to ensure the product is safe to use on the surface. Wear gloves if indicated on the instructions. Try not to breathe in product fumes. Open windows to properly ventilate the area in which you are working.
5. Clean the surface with soap and water to remove visible dirt and grease. Spray or sponge on the disinfectant so that the surface is thoroughly wet and make sure it stays visibly wet for the length of time indicated on the product label’s directions for use before you rinse or wipe the area dry. This could range anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the product. It could take multiple sprays or wipe downs to keep the surface wet long enough.
6. Do not reuse a disinfecting wipe,  it. To keep your wipes as effective as possible, be sure to re-seal the package after each use and store the package in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
7. Upon returning home from carrying out essential activities, such as bank, pharmacy and supermarket visits, properly sanitize your vehicle keys, wallets, handbags, bank and identification cards, and items purchased.
8. After returning home from heavily populated areas in particular, clean your footwear and leave them at a designated area outside. Clothing worn when outside should be immediately changed upon returning home; and cleaned/washed separately to reduce the likelihood of spreading infectious diseases.
9. If you are cleaning and sanitizing with bleach, never mix bleach with ammonia or any cleaning agent other than water. Wear rubber or non-porous boots, gloves and eye protection. Ventilate the room properly.