It’s now been just over two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began its first wave in the U.S. Today, the picture looks much different than it did back in 2020 – and in many ways, the picture is better. Researchers have learned much more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants, highly effective vaccines and treatments have been developed and widely disseminated, and we’ve seen a steady decrease in COVID-related illness and death nationwide. That said, the pandemic isn’t over. The highly transmissible Omicron variant that first made headlines late in 2021 has now become the dominant strain across the country and many regions around the world. After a significant spike in cases early this year, the worst seemed to be behind us. Now, COVID cases are back on the rise in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, which might not bode well for the U.S. Sublineages of Omicron (namely Omicron BA.2) are still considered variants of concern, and currently unknown variants might be on the move at this very moment.

Due to the perceived decline of U.S. COVID cases and public exhaustion, many businesses and governments have begun to ease their restrictions and precautions in regards to COVID-19, if not eliminate them altogether. Regardless of your business’ approach to these matters, it’s practical to maintain high standards of cleaning and disinfection. The Omicron variant, like other versions of SARS-CoV-2, is primarily spread through the air via respiratory droplets, but it can also land on surfaces. As such, the more you can do to purify your building’s air and disinfect its most used surfaces, the more difficult it will be for this and other viruses to spread.

Here are five reasons to hire commercial disinfection services to handle this current Omicron wave and any future COVID waves that may reach our shores.

Five Reasons to Hire Commercial Disinfection Services for Omicron

1. Establishment of Efficient Disinfection Protocols

To save money, many businesses attempt to keep their cleaning and disinfection tasks in-house. There are a number of pitfalls to this approach, however, especially as businesses grow in size. For starters, if your employees aren’t thoroughly trained to take on these tasks, your cleaning and disinfection efforts will likely fall short of the industry standard. Additionally, any time employees spend cleaning is time they aren’t spending doing their primary job. In these ways, lacking a dedicated commercial disinfection team will result in numerous gaps in both productivity and workplace sanitation. These gaps will ultimately cost you in the long run, making it more prudent to hire disinfection professionals. Professional disinfection services will establish and execute efficient protocols that maximize occupant health and safety without interrupting operations.

2. Access to the Best Disinfection Technology

Commercial disinfection services bring more than knowledge and labor power to the table – they also have access to state-of-the-art cleaning and disinfection equipment. At The Budd Group, for instance, we deploy PRO-Techs antimicrobial barrier technology to help buildings safely reopen and stay open. Unlike traditional disinfectants that diminish in potency after a few short hours, this nanotechnology electrocutes germs with a 99.9% effectiveness rating and remains on surfaces for several months. This longevity saves businesses both time and money, offering a sustainable solution to fighting germs like SARS-CoV-2. Antimicrobial barrier disinfection also lacks harmful chemicals, making it an eco-friendly choice for facilities committed to going green. PRO-Techs antimicrobial barrier technology is just one example of the sorts of high-level equipment commercial disinfection services can bring to the table in the fight against Omicron and other germs.

3. Adherence to Specific Disinfection Standards

While the purpose of cleaning and disinfection remains the same across the board, different industries have different requirements when it comes to these protocols. Healthcare facilities are especially strict in how frequently surfaces are disinfected and which products are used. Commercial disinfection services must be aware of these different guidelines and be able to adhere to them so every facility remains safe and compliant. The Budd Group only uses EPA-registered disinfectants and eco-friendly cleaning products when caring for facilities. Our cleaning and disinfection teams are also thoroughly trained for the industries and facilities in which they operate.

4. The Right Help When You Need it

There’s no hard and fast rule determining when facility maintenance best takes place. Some buildings will require cleaning and disinfection throughout the day, while others are better off hiring services at specific times or on an as-needed basis. Certain commercial disinfection services can offer this flexibility, putting in the necessary work when it counts the most. The Budd Group also provides facility support services, helping businesses increase their part-time and full-time staffing at pivotal moments. This way, your building always has the cleaning disinfection help it needs to combat Omicron, other COVID variants, and more.

5. Solutions that Extend Beyond Surface Disinfection

As mentioned earlier, surface disinfection is important, but it’s not the most effective way of keeping COVID-19 at bay. We’ve now learned about the importance of air disinfection for coronavirus. Facilities that have made a concerted effort to improve ventilation and air purification/filtration have seen significant declines in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne pathogens. It’s important to work with a commercial disinfection company that understands the importance of maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) and has the expertise and equipment to make any and all necessary adjustments. The Budd Group specializes in the installation of AIRBOX filtration systems for all types of facilities. We also provide facilities with additional COVID-19 supplies to maintain occupant health and reduce transmission, including masks, hand sanitizer, infrared thermometers, and more.

Overcoming Omicron and Whatever Lies Ahead

By now, most of us thought the country and world would be well past COVID-19. We’re not there yet, but we’ve all made strides in how we’re approaching these difficult times. The Budd Group’s comprehensive disinfection, cleaning, and maintenance services will ensure that your business is best equipped to face Omicron and future challenges of this nature. To learn more about our services and values, give us a call today at 800-221-8158! And for more detailed information regarding facility cleaning and disinfection from the CDC, click here.