Professional Disinfection Services for a Safer Environment

Effective Disinfection Solutions for Homes, Offices, and Public Spaces

EPSCO has been in the specialised cleaning, sanitisation and hygiene services for the last 25 years. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease in Dubai, EPSCO is in the forefront of disinfection against COVID-19. EPSCO is approved by Dubai Municipality to provide disinfection services against COVID-19. Using Dubai municipality approved bio safe disinfectant and the most appropriate personal protective equipment we carry out disinfection of all type of facilities. Our hygiene technicians are very experienced and well trained in all aspects of disinfection, particularly against COVID-19. They are fully backed up and supported by a team of chemical engineers, microbiologists, safety professionals, project managers and service technicians. Our experience and professionalism is unmatched. EPSCO provides both preventive and post quarantine disinfection against COVID-19. We have different methods for preventive and post quarantine disinfection. Usually cold jet fogging is done for preventive disinfection. EPSCO can mobilise at short notice and are equipped to disinfect facilities of any size. EPSCO works to well documented method statement and after carrying out a risk assessment.

What is VIRUS?

A virus is an infectious tiny particle that can reproduce only by infecting a host cell and using its resources. It consists of a genome, either DNA or RNA, with a protein coating called a capsid. In addition to the nucleic acid genome made of RNA or DNA and the protein shell, some viruses have an outer envelope. The capsid, or the protein shell, is made up of many protein molecules. Once a virus enters one’s body, it invades some of the cells in the body, takes over their machinery, and redirects them to produce more viruses. The size of a virus could be as small as 20–300 nanometers (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter) in diameter. The largest virus is smaller than the smallest bacteria. There are millions of viruses in the environment. They take different shapes and structures. They have different kinds of genomes. They infect different hosts, and, in many cases, they are specific about the cells they attack. Since viruses do not reproduce by themselves and only by infecting a host cell, the scientific community is divided on calling it a living organism.

Corona Virus Disinfection.

Difference between Bacteria and Virus?

We live in a world full of bacteria and viruses. They are part of the nature. A large number of bacteria support life and are vital. Bacteria and viruses are distinctly different in many ways. Bacteria are generally larger in size. Size of bacteria range from 900-1000 nm (Nano meter) whereas the largest virus is only about 300 nm (Nano meter). Typically, the size of virus ranges from 20 to 300 nm in diameter. Bacteria is classified as a living organism; virus may not be a living organism. The scientific community is divided on this. It needs a host to reproduce. Bacteria has a wall; viruses consist of the nucleic acid and a protein coating without a cell wall. Bacteria reproduces by a process called binary fission whereas viruses replicate by invading the cells of the host and reprogramming it. Ribosome is present in bacteria but not in viruses. Incubation period of bacteria is shorter compared to viruses. Bacteria incubates in 1 to 2 weeks; some viral infections can be after an incubation period of up to 2 months. Viral infections have no treatment; bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotic.

What is Corona Virus?

According to WHO (World Health Organisation) Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

What is COVID-19 ?

COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease -19) is the official name given to the disease caused by the most recently discovered corona virus. The virus itself is called SARS Cov-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Until the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 this virus and the disease were not known.

How is COVID-19 transmitted?

Transmission of COVID-19 is from person to person. It spreads from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, exhales or even talks with force. A person can get infected by exposing himself directly to the droplets or by touching a surface or object where the droplets have fallen and then touching his eyes, nose or mouth. Studies are still going on as to the distance the droplets can fall which determines the distance people should maintain to avoid direct transmission from an infected person. WHO does not think that the virus is transmitted through air.

How can we be protected from COVID-19?

WHO guideline for protecting from COVID-19.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading !

Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travellers.Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

How does disinfection of my home or office and other facilities help preventing COVID-19?

Like any other virus Corona virus consists of the nucleus acid genome made of RNA or DNA coated with a protein shell consisting of many molecules of proteins. A good disinfectant inactivates the virus by disintegrating the protein shell of the virus. Hence disinfecting the surface is a good way to prevent contracting the disease by controlling the spread of virus.

Why is COVID-19 dangerous and why should we be careful?

Since the outbreak began in Wuhan, researchers, medical practitioners and government agencies are trying to gather as much information on the virus and the disease. The knowledge about the virus and the disease is evolving with time. From the number of cases reported globally, it appears that old people and people with underlying health issues are more vulnerable and prone to death. As this virus attacks the respiratory system, patient with shortness of breath needs artificial breathing assistance. Although in many cases the infection is asymptomatic or mild, the immediate danger it poses is from the fast and compounding rate of transmission among the population. The current mortality rate is about 3-4 percentage of the tested and confirmed population. However, the speed with which it transmits could increase the mortality rate if the spreading is not contained, as hospitals world over are insufficiently equipped with ventilators and other facilities to support artificial breathing for such a large number of patients who cannot breathe.

Can COVID-19 be prevented?

There is no vaccine for COVID-19 till date. The World Health Organisation is coordinating efforts to develop vaccine and medicine for treatments of CORVID-19. Similarly other interested groups are also working on developing possible treatment and vaccines. At present isolation, social distancing, personal protective equipment, frequent hand wash and sanitization are the control measures recommended to prevent contracting the disease.

Protection measures for everyone!

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.