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Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection

Below is summary of the hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection protocols from the campus reentry plan. Review the complete reentry plan for more details.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Campus cleaning procedures are determined by facility type, occupancy levels, presence of electronic equipment, and cleaning responsibility. High-touch surfaces are disinfected four times daily, bathrooms twice daily, and classrooms at the beginning and end of the day and between use following the New York State Department of Health's (NYSDOH) "Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19." Custodial disinfection procedures are specific to the disinfectant and equipment type used. Effectiveness is monitored both through supervisor review of cleaning logs and weekly reporting of cleaning regimen to the coronavirus campus coordinator.

Promoting Hand Hygiene

Hand sanitizer stations (at least 60 percent alcohol) are available at the entrances to all buildings with additional stations installed as supplies become available in high-occupancy locations such as CCSS, trade shops, main elevator lobbies, and locations associated with in-person instruction. Frequent and vigorous hand washing is promoted, including through signage at sanitizing stations. Signage promotes hand washing when hands are visibly soiled.

Disinfecting Protocol

The college will adhere to disinfection, cleaning, and hygiene requirements as advised by the CDC and NYSDOH. These services will be logged, keeping track of the date, time, and scope of work.

Restrooms

• Doors to multi-stall restrooms are able to be opened and closed without touch, or there is a trash can placed by the door.
• Signage is posted to promote safe habits (closing the lid before a flush, wash hands before and after use, etc.).
• Preferred bathrooms cleaned and disinfected: two times per day
• Log sheets (1) detail / matron + (2) specific to sprayer equipment
• Physical barriers between fixtures if six feet of distance cannot be maintained; enforcement of social distancing to reduce restroom capacity where possible
• Paper towel dispensers in lieu of air dryers
• Designated preferred communal bathrooms for use by specific occupants within a building to minimize cross-contamination

Cafeterias / Dining Halls

Currently, these spaces are closed and not being maintained. There are automatic sanitizing dispensers near doors and stairwell handles with visual cues/reminders. All chairs have been wrapped up and sealed to discourage congregation in these spaces. When these spaces reopen, we will consult CUNY guidance and implement deep cleaning and sanitization between employee shifts.

Computer Labs

See corresponding section. Where support is needed, Building and Grounds will help disinfect and clean as needed until use is expanded.

Conference Rooms

Currently, these spaces not being maintained. At this time, departments and officers self-clean. Where applicable, chairs will be removed or covered to ensure social distancing. However, employees are advised that meetings should continue to be held remotely. If the meeting must occur in person, it will be conducted in a quick manner and limited to 10 or fewer people. There are hand sanitizers and wipes available for distribution. Departments are responsible for limited the use of conferencing spaces, and for requesting disinfection.

Isolation / Quarantine Spaces

If someone is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, a heavy deep cleaning will be conducted (with appropriate coveralls and PPE):

• The affected area(s) will be closed off, and outside doors and windows will be opened to increase air circulation (where possible).
• The spaces in question will be cleaned and disinfected at least 24 hours after being closed off.
• In the event of a positive testing, proximal restrooms, offices, or other suspected contact points will be cleaned and disinfected before they are reopened for use.
• Elevator touchpoints with an HD20 sani-sprayer or manual spray: four times per day, in the a.m. and p.m. hours. Occupation is limited with proper signage, and users are encouraged to press buttons with objects such as keys or pens.

Exterior Campus Grounds

Regular maintenance (cleaning, sweeping, waste removal, etc.) of ingress and egress continues. Doorways are sanitized daily two to four, daily. Gates available for entry are limited, and a traffic flow pattern has been implemented.

Gyms and Fitness Centers (including pools)

Currently, these spaces are closed and not being maintained. The rooms are closed to the public, and there is no congregation in these spaces. The pool is empty.

Hallways and Stairwells

Handrails are disinfected two to four times per day, with a high concentration in areas with high foot traffic and egress (e.g., near active research spaces). Hallways are routinely swept and cleaned, per usual, and disinfected once per day where possible. Foot traffic is used to focus resources and employees. Hallways were marked for bi-directional flow.

Lecture / Classrooms

The administration will provide a detailed schedule of shared space use (locations, number of occupants, entry / exit times, etc.). The schedule of classes will advise to the frequency of cleaning and disinfection. In-use spaces will be disinfected after each class. Cleaning will be done before and after each class. Students will have wipes and hand sanitizer available to self-clean in between disinfection of the spaces.

Lobby and Common Areas

Building common areas (e.g., seating in the hallways) will be cleaned and disinfected sporadically, based on the population density in the area. Surfaces that are difficult to clean, such as cloth seating, will be removed or sealed off where possible. High-touch surfaces will be disinfected and cleaned two to four times per day (a.m. and p.m.). Break rooms and other conference areas are restricted to ensure social distancing. Employees are encouraged not to linger or socialize in common areas.

Office / Individual Space

Access to campus is strictly limited. Those who can work remotely are doing so. Those who wish to request access must present justification for entry. All visitors must not screen positive, via the health screening questionnaire. Occupants are notified of their responsibility for cleaning individual work spaces and waste removal. The college provides disposable hand wipes for employees and faculty to wipe down commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, door handles) before and after use. Disinfectant wipes are also stored in college-owned vehicles for high-touch points before and after use.