APEX Plus

11/28/2020

Enjoy your coffee knowing that your business is committed to higher standards of cleaning

11/23/2020

Food Safety Tips for Your Holiday Turkey

Holidays and COVID-19

Planning a holiday celebration? See CDC’s considerations to help protect you, your family, and friends from COVID-19.

Handling poultry (chickens and turkey) incorrectly and undercooking it are the most common problems that lead to foodborne disease outbreaks linked to poultry.1 Follow these four tips to help you safely prepare your next holiday turkey meal.

1. Thaw Your Turkey Safely

Thaw turkeys:
• In the refrigerator in a container;
• In a leak-proof plastic bag in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes); or
• In the microwave, following the microwave oven manufacturer’s instructions.

Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter. A thawing turkey must defrost at a safe temperature. When the turkey is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, its temperature becomes unsafe. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
2. Handle Your Turkey the Right Way

Raw poultry can contaminate anything it touches with harmful bacteria. Follow the four steps to food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill—to prevent the spread of bacteria to your food, family, and friends.
• Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling turkey.
• Do not wash raw turkey. During washing, turkey juices can spread in the kitchen and contaminate other foods, utensils, and countertops.
• Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey.
• Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board, or other surface that previously held raw turkey.
• Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing turkey and before you prepare the next item.

3. Cook Stuffing Thoroughly

Cooking stuffing separately from the turkey in a casserole dish makes it easy to be sure it is thoroughly cooked. If you cook stuffing in the turkey, put the stuffing in the turkey just before cooking.
With either cooking method, use a food thermometer to make sure the stuffing’s center reaches 165°F. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F and may then cause food poisoning. If you cook stuffing in the turkey, wait 20 minutes after taking the bird out of the oven before removing the stuffing; this allows it to cook a little more. Learn more about how to prepare stuffing safely.

Use a food thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature.

4. Cook Your Turkey Thoroughly

Set the oven temperature to at least 325°F. Place the completely thawed turkey in a roasting pan that is 2 to 2-1/2 inches deep. Cooking times will vary depending on the weight of the turkey. Use a food thermometer to make sure the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Check by inserting a food thermometer into the center of the stuffing and the thickest portions of the breast, thigh, and wing joint. Even if your turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator, you should still use a food thermometer to check that it is safely cooked.
Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before removing all stuffing from the cavity and carving the meat. Learn more about safe minimum cooking temperatures and how to use a food thermometer for turkey and other foods.
Take Care of Leftovers
The bacteria Clostridium perfringens grows in cooked foods left at room temperature. It is the second most common bacterial cause of food poisoning. The major symptoms are vomiting and abdominal cramps within 6 to 24 hours after eating.
• Clostridium perfringens outbreaks occur most often in November and December.2
• Many of these outbreaks have been linked to foods commonly served during the holidays, such as turkey and roast beef.
Refrigerate leftovers at 40°F or colder as soon as possible and within 2 hours of preparation to prevent food poisoning. Slice or divide big cuts of meat, such as a roast turkey, into small quantities for refrigeration so they can cool quickly. Reheat all leftovers to at least 165°F before serving.

11/21/2020

CDC says....Reducing the Spread of COVID-19 in Workplaces

To keep your employees safe, you should:

Consider options to increase physical space between employees and customers such as opening a drive- through, erecting partitions, and marking floors to guide spacing at least 6 feet apart.

At least once a day, clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people. This includes door handles, desks, phones, light switches, and faucets.

Consider assigning a person to rotate throughout the workplace to clean and disinfect surfaces.

Consider scheduling handwashing breaks so employees can wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Consider scheduling a relief person to give cashiers and service desk employees an opportunity to wash their hands.

Additional information on how to keep employees safe can be found in the CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/general-business-faq.html -the-Spread-of-COVID-19-in-Workplaces

11/19/2020

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

Steps All Employers Can Take to Reduce Workers’ Risk of Exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Don't Be Afraid. This link describes basic steps that every employer can take to reduce the risk of worker exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in their workplace.

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

11/18/2020

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone is Sick, and Considerations for Employers
How to clean and disinfect

• Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
• Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.
• Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
•
o More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.
o Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.
• High touch surfaces include:
o Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
spray bottle icon
Disinfect
• Disinfect with a household disinfectant on List N: Disinfectants for use against SARs-CoV-2external icon, the virus that causes COVID 19.

Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Many products recommend:
o Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label).
o Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.
• Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards
• Ensure adequate ventilation
• Use no more than the amount recommended on the label
• Use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label)
• Avoid mixing chemical products
• Label diluted cleaning solutions
• Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets
You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.
See EPA’s 6 steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use external icon
Special considerations should be made for people with asthma and they should not be present when cleaning and disinfecting is happening as this can trigger asthma exacerbations. Learn more about reducing asthma triggers.
• If products on List are not available, diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
o Use bleach containing 5.25%–8.25% sodium hypochlorite. Do not use a bleach product if the percentage is not in this range or is not specified.
o Follow the manufacturer’s application instructions for the surface, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute.
o Ensure proper ventilation during and after application.
o Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date.
o Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. This can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in.
• Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
o 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) of 5.25%–8.25% bleach per gallon of room temperature water OR
o 4 teaspoons of 5.25%–8.25% bleach per quart of room temperature water
• Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
• Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.

11/17/2020

Are Covid-19 Virus Disinfectants Safe?

Apex Plus uses a specialized and safe blend of elements that kill 99.999% of bacteria and viruses. Their solutions are FDA Approved, Hypoallergenic, and odor free.

This water based formula eliminates odors and allergens, destroys and inhibits growth of mold and mildew, kills microorganisms, bacteria and can sanitize HVAC systems, and ventilations, and ductwork.

Apex Plus products meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and creates a durable bond that lasts up the three months on surfaces while creating a shield from daily used cleaning supplies. This blend does not disrupt the feel, smell, look of fabrics, and other materials including but not limited to carpets, curtains, furniture, desk tops, couches, and chairs. In fact this shield can repel dirt, prevent stains from spills while extending the life of upholstery fabrics.

11/16/2020

COMMUNITY, WORK & SCHOOLS:

Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
Updated May 7, 2020

Cleaning & Disinfecting Decision Tool
Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting.

This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Additional resources with more specific recommendations.
Healthcare Setting
• Long-term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes
o Infection Control in Healthcare Settings
o Using Personal Protective Equipment
o Hand Hygiene
o Interim Guidance for Infection Prevention
o Preparedness Checklist
o Things Facilities Should Do Now to Prepare for COVID-19
o When there are Cases in the Facility
• Dialysis Facilities
o Infection Control in Healthcare Settings
o Using Personal Protective Equipment
o Hand Hygiene
o Interim guidance for Outpatient Hemodialysis Facilities
o Patient Screening
• Blood and Plasma Facilities
o Infection control in Healthcare Settings
o Infection Control and Environmental Management
o Using Personal Protective Equipment
o Hand Hygiene
o Interim Guidance for Blood and Plasma Collection Facilities
• Alternate Care Sites
o Infection Prevention and Control
• Dental Settings
o Infection control in Healthcare Settings
o Using Personal Protective Equipment
o Hand Hygiene
o Interim Guidance for Dental Settings
• Pharmacies
o Infection control in Healthcare Settings
o Using Personal Protective Equipment
o Hand Hygiene
o Interim Guidance for Pharmacies
o Risk-Reduction During Close-Contact Services
• Outpatient and ambulatory care facilities
o Infection control in Healthcare Settings
o Using Personal Protective Equipment
o Hand Hygiene
o Interim Guidance for Outpatient & Ambulatory Care Settings
• Postmortem Care
o Using Personal Protective Equipment
o Hand Hygiene
o Collection and Submission of Postmortem Samples
o Cleaning and Waste Disposal
o Transportation of Human Remains
Community Locations
• Critical Infrastructure Employees
o Interim Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Employees
o Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility
• Schools and childcare programs
o K-12 and Childcare Interim Guidance
o Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility
o FAQ for Administrators
o Parent and Teacher Checklist
• Colleges and universities
o Interim Guidance for Colleges & Universities
o Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility
o Guidance for Student Foreign Travel
o Considerations for Administrators
• Gatherings and community events
o Interim Guidance for Mass Gatherings and Events
o Election Polling Location Guidance
o Events FAQ
• Community- and faith-based organizations
o Interim Guidance for Organizations
o Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility
• Businesses
o Interim Guidance for Businesses
• Parks & Rec Facilities
o Guidance for Administrators of Parks
• Law Enforcement
o What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about COVID-19
• Homeless Service Providers
o Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers
• Retirement Homes
o Interim Guidance for Retirement Communities
o FAQ for Administrators
• Correction & Detention Facilities
o Interim Guidance for Correction & Detention Facilities
o FAQ for Administrators

Home Setting
• Preventing Getting Sick
o How to Protect Yourself and Others
o Cleaning and Disinfecting your Home
o Tribal – How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Your Home.
• Running Errands
o Shopping for Food and Other Essential Items
o Accepting Deliveries and Takeout
o Banking
o Getting Gasoline
o Going to the Doctor and Pharmacy
• If you are sick
o Steps to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID19 if You are Sick

Transportation
• Ships
o Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected COVID-19
• Airlines
o Cleaning Aircraft Carriers
o Airline Agents Interim Guidance
• Buses
o Bus Transit Operator
• Rail
o Rail Transit Operators
o Transit Station Workers
• EMS Transport Vehicles
o Interim Guidance for EMS
• Taxis and Rideshares
o Keeping Commercial Establishments Safe

Restaurants & Bars
• Best Practices from FDA

Cleaning and Disinfecting: Everyday steps, when someone is sick, and considerations for employers.