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Update on WVU cleaning and disinfecting procedures in response to COVID-19

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As part of our continuing efforts to provide a safe learning, working and living environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors, the Facilities Management team has implemented several enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures in preparation for return to campus this fall.

Beyond our standard cleaning protocols, we have enacted numerous safety disinfection practices across campus to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 based on guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the Centers for Disease Control. 

Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and germs from surfaces. Cleaning will not kill germs — it simply removes germs (or reduces the number of germs) in order to lower the risk of infection. Disinfection is a specific cleaning process that uses chemicals to kill germs, bacteria and viruses.

When disinfecting campus buildings, the Facilities Management team uses the following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved chemicals:

We also use industry-leading Victory Electrostatic Sprayers (i.e., spray guns, backpack sprayers and battery pump sprayers), which provide the highest level of disinfection coverage for all surfaces.

Classroom and Restroom Cleaning/Disinfection Procedures

  • Classrooms – All classrooms will be deep cleaned and disinfected at the end of each day. Disinfecting wipes also will be readily available in each classroom for faculty and students to use throughout the day.

  •  Public and non-public restrooms – All restrooms will be deep cleaned a minimum of once per day. High-touch surface areas (e.g., water taps, door/towel/toilet handles, seats and cover flaps, wash basins, doorknobs and switches) will be disinfected at least once every eight hours.

  • Residential hall restrooms – All communal restrooms will receive a daily general cleaning (e.g., replace paper products, refill soaps, remove trash, sweep floors, service sanitary receptacles, clean mirrors, tops of mirrors and stalls, toilets and urinals, floors, plates and handles). High-touch surface areas (e.g., water taps, door/towel/toilet handles, seats and cover flaps, urinals, showers and shower curtains, wash basins, doorknobs and switches) in communal restrooms will be disinfected daily. Restrooms in combined suites will receive a daily disinfection and will be deep cleaned once every three weeks. Note: Cleaning and disinfecting kits also will be provided for residence hall occupants to use as needed.

  • Restroom density – Use of restrooms should be limited based on occupancy to ensure at least six feet of distance between individuals whenever possible. Individual stalls are not an issue due to physical barriers being in place. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after using the restroom. Individuals should wear a mask/face covering while in a restroom.

WVU will continue to follow guidance from public health officials and government agencies in regard to our cleaning and safety measures. Based on this guidance, the University will continue to explore innovative and additional cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting technologies and processes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit the Return to Campus website for more information and to review Common Questions. Contact Facilities and Services at FacilitiesandServices@mail.wvu.edu with any questions.