EPA Discusses Disinfectants That Will Fight New Super Strains of COVID-19

In December 2020, a new mutant strain of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was reported. It became the most common version of the coronavirus, accounting for about 60 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the UK. The mutations in the new strain seem to affect the coronavirus’s spike proteins and may potentially make the mutated version “sticky” and more easily transmitted.

Its discovery has raised questions: Is the coronavirus more contagious now? Will the vaccines still work? Are there new or different things you should do now to keep your family safe? Studies are still being done, but luckily according to the EPA, the same disinfectants already proven to fight SARS-CoV-2 will also work against the mutated super spreader version B.1.1.7.

In order to qualify, the disinfectant must (when used according to label directions):

• Demonstrate efficacy against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19);
• Demonstrate efficacy against a pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); or
• Demonstrate efficacy against a different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

The EPA expects all products on List N to kill the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and its new strains, when used according to the label directions.

For information on how to use these chemicals, Flagship listed the top tips directly from expert disinfection professionals. Learn what custodians who clean for some of the biggest facilities in the country focus on to make sure their commercial facilities are clean, disinfected and safe for employees and visitors.