Engineering Controls

Current evidence suggests that the virus that causes COVID-19 can remain viable on surfaces for hours to days. As such, sound environmental cleaning and disinfection is a key factor in preventing COVID-19 transmission in schools. Daily and routine cleaning and disinfection should be conducted to minimize surface contamination in common areas and on high-touch surfaces.

• Routine cleaning practices should be used for indoor areas that have not been used for 7 or more days or outdoor equipment. Surfaces that are not high touch, such as bookcases, cabinets, wall boards, or drapes should be cleaned following standard protocol. The same applies to floors or carpeted areas.
• Use of EPA approved disinfectants against COVID-19 is recommended (EPA List N).
• When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants such as diluted bleach or 70% alcohol solutions can be used.
• Proactive purchase of cleaning supplies (9 week supply):.
• Children should not be present when disinfectants are in use and should not participate in disinfecting activities.
• If disinfection is needed while children are in the classroom, adequate ventilation should be in place and non-irritating products should be used.
• Disinfectants such as bleach and those containing quaternary ammonium compounds or “Quats” should not be used when children and adolescents are present, because these are known respiratory irritants
• Elimination of high-touch surfaces is preferable to frequent cleaning.
• eliminating the use of lockers
• Bathrooms, in particular, should receive frequent cleaning and disinfection. Shared equipment including computer equipment, keyboards, art supplies, and play or gym equipment should also be disinfected frequently. Bathrooms sanitized/fogged during the school day
• High touch surfaces (classrooms, door handles, and desks sanitized at least once every hour)
• Sanitizer stations set-up in each classroom, offices, and high traffic areas.
• Outdoor playgrounds/natural play areas only need routine maintenance, and hand hygiene should be emphasized before and after use of these spaces. Outdoor play equipment with high-touch surfaces, such as railings, handles, etc, should be cleaned and disinfected regularly if used continuously.
• UV light kills viruses and bacteria and is used in some controlled settings as a germicide. UV light-emitting devices should not be used in the school setting, because they are not safe for children and adults and can cause skin and eye damage.
• Bathrooms sanitized/fogged during the school day.
• Adjust custodial hours/additional custodians to accommodate cleaning and sanitization.
• Adjust paraprofessional and/or specialist schedules to assist with cleaning, sanitization, and lunch.

• Increase air exchange rates in buildings and maximize fresh air in all facilities by minimizing recirculation where recirculation is required, explore options for HEPA-equivalent filtering or sterilization measures (e.g.,

UV light irradiation).

• Adjust HVAC systems to create negative pressure, or inward directed airflow, in areas of higher risk for contamination and aerosol generation (e.g., bathrooms, classrooms).
• The use of fans should be curtailed.
• Turbulent airflow from fans may contribute to re-aerosolization of viral particles from surfaces.
• When weather conditions permit, consider conducting lessons outdoors if physical distancing can be maintained.
• Put together kits for each class, to include sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, first aid kit, etc., that can be easily transported when conducting lessons outdoors.
• If using picnic tables or benches, disinfect before and after use.
• Doors have been identified and will be open to ensure non-touch. All lighting controls are sensor controlled, so light switches do not require touch.
• Physical barriers (plexiglass) will be used at the entrance point when students are checking in.
• Taped arrows will be used at entrance and in hallways to guide learners and staff to and from production to limit crossover.

• Physical barriers to separate staff and students from one another to minimize the opportunities for person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. Strategies for physical modification include:
• Identify opportunities to place physical barriers (e.g., plexiglass) in critical locations. Examples include:
  • In high-traffic hallways (e.g., plastic sheeting) to guide student/staff traffic and limit crossover.
  • Identify opportunities to implement non-touch controls. (e.g., foot-operated door opener, keep doors open to allow movement without touching knobs when possible)
  • Remove and rearrange tables and chairs in classrooms, cafeterias, and common areas to maximize physical distancing.
  • Arrange all desks/tables so students face the same direction.
  • Disable automated dryers in bathrooms and replace with motion-sense dispensers for paper towels.
  • Identify an “isolation room” or area where a sick student could be kept under supervision pending transport home or to a healthcare facility.
  • At tables in classrooms, cafeterias, etc. (e.g., plastic, plexiglass partitions)
  • Between individuals on service lines such as in food preparation and cafeteria services
  • In front of walk-up windows (e.g., reception desks)
  • In open, administrative office areas, when applicable.
  • Open up additional areas (e.g., gymnasiums, auditoriums) or add tents or other portable options outside of the building for classrooms.
  • For tables with built-in seating, use tape to restrict seating and increase distancing between seating spaces.
  • Extending partitions several inches past the end of the table provides an additional measure to prevent leaning back and extending over the space of the person sitting next to them.
• Playground usage and outdoor activities allowed with cleaning procedures established.
• Outside visits canceled with possible virtual opportunities developed (field trips/assemblies).
• Gym/Facility use protocols to be determined by DHM. Use may be limited to gyms.