ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, have launched a new resource webpage to access current information about the new coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, also known as the “Wuhan coronavirus.”

Coronaviruses (CoV) refers to a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The 2019-nCoV, also known as the Wuhan Coronavirus is a novel or new coronavirus, that was first identified in humans in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

While not common, coronaviruses can be zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and people. This was the case with SARS-CoV, which was found to be transmitted from civet cats to humans, and MERS-CoV, which was found to be transmitted from dromedary camels to humans. While there is speculation that 2019-nCoV is also zoonotic, scientists are still unsure.

As of January 29, 2020, there are more than 6000 confirmed cases worldwide and the virus has been reported in as many as 20 different countries. However, it is difficult to provide an accurate number since the numbers are constantly changing. Human-to-human transmission has also been confirmed.

The ISSA and GBAC resource webpage will have updates such as implementing worker protection and using appropriate disinfectants; practicing precautionary measures and reducing the risk of infection and training and educational opportunities to reduce biohazard risks. The website also includes a tips sheet.

ISSA and GBAC have also released an official statement about the Wuhan coronavirus and will continue to monitor and provide updated information about the outbreak.

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INCLEAN is published by the Intermedia Group on behalf of ISSA