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Opening Safely – General Guidance on Reopening Your Business

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This year, we’re in a position that none of us has ever been in before. Earlier in the year, nation-wide shutdowns and mandatory quarantines sent many businesses screeching to a halt. Over the months following the initial outbreak in the United States, we found ways to get our businesses back on track – either through remote work, staggered shifts, or other cautious scheduling and location measures.

Now, as the summer comes to an end and fall quickly approaches, most parts of the country are working to get back to normal and relax many of the strict measures we’ve had to put in place. Navigating the complexities of reopening your business in a post-COVID world can be tricky. Getting used to the new normal may also be a little tricky. But with an open mind, a caring heart, and a strategic approach, you can reopen your business safely and effectively. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

It’s important to adapt

Businesses both small and large have struggled to meet their clients’ and customers’ needs with all of the restrictions of the last few months. The businesses that will make it through – and even find ways to thrive – in this new world are the ones that understand how important flexibility and adaptability are. Pay attention to the evolving needs of both your customers and your employees.

If your employees have young children, understand that their childcare options may be limited for the foreseeable future. If they can get their work done from home, let them as often as you can. With fewer people interacting in your office space, this is a win for you, too. For your customers, make sure that you’re still meeting their needs. You may need to adapt to offer new services, products, or add-ons to stay as relevant as you were before the virus struck.

Follow the latest COVID guidelines from the most reliable resources

Relying on less-than-trustworthy third parties or social media feeds for your COVID updates won’t do if you’re looking to open your business safely and responsibly. Check for updates regularly with reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They have several pages dedicated to safely reopening businesses, schools, and restaurants across the country. Here are just a few health and safety measures they suggest adopting:

• Conducting daily health checks

• Encouraging employees to wear cloth face coverings in the workplace (this is particularly important if the six-foot social distancing rule can’t be enforced or isn’t being adhered to)

• Creating best practices and policies for social distancing at work

• Providing employees with applicable and disposable disinfectants (sanitizers, cleaners, wipes, etc.)

• Improving your cleaning and disinfecting processes

If social distancing can’t be enforced the way things are currently, this is another area that may require you to be adaptable. Consider putting in plexiglass or other physical barriers, changing your office’s layout to separate cubicles or workspaces, closing shared spaces like the break room or conference room, and staggering work shifts.

You can use a COVID handbook to keep everyone on the same page

Clearly and descriptively letting your employees know (in writing) what’s expected of them is a good way to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the new rules. The proper procedures for handwashing, taking a sick day, keeping your distance, or wearing personal protective equipment can be left up to interpretation if they’re not clearly outlined.

Unfortunately, not everyone is taking this virus as seriously as they should be. Creating a COVID handbook makes it explicitly clear what is expected of your employees, as well as when they should stay home, and what the consequences will be if they don’t adhere to the new rules. Outlining and enforcing these new expectations will help you with reopening your business and can help keep yourself, your loved ones, your employees, and their loved ones safe.

Your cleaning and disinfecting needs will be greater than they were before

Whether social distancing and limited numbers of employees are possible or not, most decision-makers will need to ramp up their cleaning and disinfecting before reopening for business. That’s where Corvus comes in. A healthy workspace is a productive workspace. No one wants to go through all of the work involved in reopening their business just to have to shut down again because someone got sick. Our high-level cleaning and disinfecting services ensure a vibrant and healthy workplace that you and your employees can feel safe and confident spending time in.

Our focus is on cleaning corners instead of cutting them. We offer a variety of advanced cleaning and disinfecting services that have evolved even further to meet the challenge of this fast-moving virus. Among others, these services include:

• Electrostatic spraying

• Ultra-low volume fogging

• Refocused cleaning and chemical application

• Exposure cleaning and disinfecting to give additional attention to high-touch surfaces that are known germ spreaders

• Mindful office organization

• Increased frequency and strategic timing

Each of our services combines EPA-certified cleaning chemicals with state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to bring our clients true peace of mind. Electrostatic spraying and ULV fogging have been employed by major airlines, some of the most frequently visited locations in the world, to ensure the safety of those who pass through.

We bring only the best to your business and we are eager to help you reopen your business both safely and effectively. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Tips: 10 Best Practices

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Whether you’re getting ready to clean and disinfect your home or your office, using the proper tools and techniques is more important than ever. The following 10 cleaning and disinfecting tips will help you ensure that your efforts are safe and effective:

Clean then disinfect

Cleaning and disinfecting are two different processes. Cleaning removes dirt, germs, and impurities from the surface. This may sound like enough, but it’s important to note that cleaning only removes surface germs, it doesn’t kill them. Decreasing the number of germs on a surface helps decrease the spread of infection, but for effective risk containment, it’s important to kill the germs, too. That’s where disinfecting comes in. Disinfecting doesn’t necessarily clean dirty surfaces, but it does kill the germs left on the surface after you’re done cleaning. Both are important in reducing the spread of infection.

Use the right tools

For routine cleaning and disinfecting, the CDC recommends wearing reusable or disposable gloves, cleaning with soap and water first, and disinfecting next. Many people will skip the gloves or skip over cleaning to go straight to disinfecting. Each of these steps is an important piece of the puzzle. Using the right tools in the right order is critical.

Choose the right chemicals

The same way choosing the right tools and using them in the right order is important, choosing the right chemicals is important, too. In the past, it was easy to pick up whatever cleaning product was closest. This was generally acceptable when we weren’t cleaning and disinfecting with the coronavirus in mind. But now, it’s important to choose chemicals that effectively kill the virus that is driving the current pandemic. The label on your cleaning product will tell you whether or not it is effective for use against SARS-CoV-2 – the COVID-19 virus. You can also find a list of EPA-approved disinfectants here.

Check the expiration dates

If you’ve had household disinfectants sitting under your sink for years, be sure to check the expiration dates before you use them. Some products last for a while after their recommended “use by” date. But when it comes to reducing the risk of infection in your home or office, it’s better not to take any chances. Expired cleaning products and disinfectants should be replaced before use.

DIY disinfectant

If you can’t get to the store, you can create your own diluted household bleach solutions with non-expired ingredients. First, confirm that your bleach has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 5 or 6%. Then, mix five tablespoons (or one-third of a cup) of bleach per every gallon of room temperature water in your bucket. You can then use this diluted bleach solution for up to 24 hours. After that, you’ll want to start the process over. If you don’t have unexpired household bleach, you can also use alcohol solutions – just confirm that they’re at least 70% alcohol first.

Follow the instructions on your cleaning products

Too often, it’s easy to get distracted while disinfecting. When you’re cleaning with soap and water, the dwell time is less important. But when you’re disinfecting, it’s important not to spray a disinfectant and wipe it off too quickly or leave it on for too long. Your cleaning product will tell you how long you should leave it on the surface before rinsing or wiping it away. Following the instructions on the label will ensure that you’re disinfecting safely and effectively. But before you move into your disinfecting phase, be sure to break out those gloves, wear other skin protectors if necessary, and ensure adequate ventilation.

Focus on high-touch surfaces

It’s easy to forget certain high-touch surfaces when we’re cleaning at home. After all, how often do you think about your computer keyboard or light switches? Viruses can live on these surfaces for several days, so it’s important to give them some attention. Other high-touch surfaces to give extra attention to:

• Tables
• Doorknobs
• Countertops
• Handles
• Phones
• Toilets
• Desks
• Faucets
• Sinks
• Showers

Wash your hands often

After you finish cleaning and remove your gloves, wash your hands. After you finish disinfecting, wash your hands. After using the bathroom, touching doorknobs, and before eating, wash your hands. Cleaning our homes and offices is important but it can’t distract us from keeping ourselves clean, too. Wash with soap and water often to reduce the spread of germs. Anytime you won’t have access to soap and water, carry hand sanitizer that is 60% alcohol or more.

Launder rags

If you’re using wipes to clean or disinfect, be sure to toss the old one and move onto a new one when you switch surfaces. If you’re looking to reduce waste, you can use rags instead, you just have to be a little more cautious. Use separate rags for separate rooms to avoid cross-contamination, watch for color changes that suggest it’s time to switch to a new one and wash them with hot water and detergent between uses.

Let Corvus Janitorial help

For highly effective commercial cleaning and disinfecting that follows CDC and EPA guidelines, call the experts at Corvus Janitorial. We offer a wide range of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to help keep you, your clients, and your employees or coworkers safe and healthy. We offer after-hours services, increased frequencies, and high-level techniques. Contact us today for more information.

Commercial Cleaning Contracts: What You Need to Know

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Now more than ever, cleaning matters. As more and more businesses open their doors to employees and the public, ensuring that workplaces are clean and sanitary has never been a bigger priority. Business owners across the country are working diligently to keep customers and employees alike healthy. For many businesses, this means enhanced protocols for cleaning and disinfecting.

Demand for commercial cleaning services is at an all-time high and is still growing. With so many new cleaning contracts up for grabs, you may be wondering how you can get your cleaning business in front of potential customers. Read on for insights on how to acquire office cleaning contracts, bid customer contracts, collect money from clients, and more.

Choosing the Right Facilities to Clean

Determining what type of facility you wish to target is critical, and when selecting facility types it’s important to think about how facilities and industries differ. For instance, light industrial or manufacturing facilities likely require a less detailed level of service than a medical office or daycare facility. The facility cleaning needs change with the organization’s varying purposes. An organization tasked with the welfare of infants will have far different needs than an organization tasked with distributing cardboard boxes. In thinking about what types of customers you want to pursue, think about your skills, strengths, and weaknesses…determining what suits your skill set best will help you identify your ideal customers. Some companies may not need or want recurring janitorial services, but they may require special event cleaning after an office party. As with recurring commercial cleaning contracts, special event clean up contracts will have a wide variety of needs, and the entrepreneur must decide which of these opportunities to go after.

Keep Your Cleaning Customers Close – Travel, Expenses, Logistics

Travel and logistics should play a role when you are selecting clients to target. Travel time represents a real cost in terms of money and your time and should not be overlooked in deciding which types of contracts your office cleaning business wants to target. It is highly advisable to calculate the cost associated with traveling to client accounts. Moreover, researching areas where your target accounts can be found and selling to areas of closer proximity is very important. Clustering your cleaning accounts in geographic locations that are close to one another will reduce your commute time and the associated costs, as well as limit the chance of a missed clean due to traffic or other unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances.

Types of Commercial Janitorial Services

Creating a menu of the services your professional cleaning company intends to provide is important in terms of selling and pricing your cleaning contracts. Variables such as how often per week or per month you intend to offer service will impact not only your time commitment but also the cost the customer will pay for your services. Another variable to consider is the level of cleaning you intend to provide on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis. For instance, you may elect to provide weekly high dusting in your cleaning contracts, or you might decide to provide high dusting every night. In the second case, your cleaning company will be spending more time in the client facility to perform high dusting, thereby driving your personal cost higher – which in turn should be passed on to the client.

How to Get Office Cleaning Customers…Tools to Use

Traditional Sales Channels

After you have identified your ideal customer, decided which geographic area(s) to target, and defined your service offerings, it is time to begin selling contracts. Traditionally, the most effective and cost-efficient way to get commercial cleaning contracts is by picking up the phone and dialing, aka cold calling. If you already have a network with local business owners or office managers, tapping this network is a great place to start selling. Once you establish a base of satisfied customers, you can ask them to refer you to other businesses in their building, network, or industry. Word-of-mouth referrals are a strong vote of confidence for your brand and will make selling contracts to new clients much easier. Cold calling, networking, and customer referrals can help jumpstart your business, however, they cannot ensure consistent, stable growth in the long run.

Marketing Your Cleaning Business

Additional marketing efforts are necessary if you aim to acquire a large customer base. Fliers and pamphlets are a time-tested and relatively low-cost method to spread the word about your cleaning company. Contacting and building relationships with real estate agents and property managers is another great way to obtain customer contracts. Classified ads in newspapers are also an effective source to sell cleaning contracts, and classified ads are much cheaper than larger newspaper ads. In the age of the internet, a digital marketing strategy is critical to be a true competitor in the commercial cleaning industry. Increasingly, businesses are turning to the web to find and hire professional cleaners. An established online presence is important to winning customer contracts, and the foundation of this presence is creating a website for your cleaning company. An effective website will showcase your service offerings, provide information about your business, and tell your brand’s story. Make sure to include contact information on your website – inbound web traffic are likely high potential contract prospects.

Pricing Commercial Cleaning Contracts

Frequency and scope of service (or level of service) ultimately will determine how to price a cleaning contract. If you intend to service a restaurant or bar, for example, there is a big difference between cleaning the dining area and cleaning the kitchen. In the latter case, a much more intensive clean will be required, as the customer will expect an absolutely spotless kitchen. These elevated expectations should be reflected in the contract. Ultimately, you should take a consultative approach to understanding client expectations, customizing cleaning schedules, determining the frequency and scope of work to suit the facility needs and client desires, generating a cleaning contract with terms, and outlining conditions and pricing to match the client’s desires.

Collecting Money from Customer Contracts

Finally, creating a billing schedule and agreement represents an often-overlooked aspect of starting an office cleaning business. On the one hand, launching a cleaning company and getting clients can be fun and exhilarating, but the end goal is to create financial security and additional income. Therefore, no process is more important than building policies for billing and collecting money owed from customers.

Generally speaking, office cleaning companies offer “terms” to clients in the cleaning contract. What this means is a cleaning company may ask to be paid at a specified date following the receipt of the invoice that corresponds to the delivery of service. For instance, net 30 indicates the customer must pay the office cleaning company 30 days after receipt of the invoice, net 10 indicates payment is to be expected 10 days following receipt of invoice, and so on and so forth. Depending on your savings and capital reserves, you should select a payment term that ensures a steady flow of incoming funds which you’ll need to replenish supplies, continue marketing your service, and, best of all, set aside to increase your savings. Cash flow is king and establishing terms to meet your company’s cash flow needs is a key to success.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, the success of any business is determined by how much and how often they are able to sell. Above all else, consistency is crucial to building, growing, and maintaining a profitable commercial cleaning business. Therefore, having systems in place for sales, marketing, and collections is highly recommended to any business owner who aims to make a profit. Determining your service offerings and identifying your target customer and market are only the first steps to operating a successful commercial cleaning company. The development of a marketing strategy is ultimately how you will acquire customer cleaning contracts, and you must also build out a system to price contracts, distribute bids, and collect money from clients. Getting cleaning contracts – and retaining them – is by no means an easy task, but with the right systems in place, a commercial cleaning business can provide consistent and reliable income to a hungry entrepreneur.

Franchise with Corvus: We Get Cleaning Contracts for You

If you are a professional cleaner looking for contracts or are simply interested in learning more about owning your own business, the Corvus Team is here to help. Our dedicated sales and marketing teams do the hard work for you – all you have to do is clean! Contact us today to learn about franchising with Corvus.

UV Light Cleaning and Disinfecting

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Before, during, and after the coronavirus outbreak, the main priority of Corvus Janitorial Systems is the health and safety of our customers and the community at large. Now that we all know how important advanced cleaning and disinfecting strategies are, we’re shedding light on some of the ways that our services help combat this virus, other viruses, and everyday germs and bacteria. One method that has been gaining a lot of attention recently is ultraviolet (UV) light cleaning and disinfecting.

There are several different options for UV cleaning and disinfecting, but some are riskier than others. Professional-level UV cleaning and disinfecting are ideal, while certain at-home devices and products (UV lamps as hand sanitizers, in particular) should be avoided. UV phone cases and self-cleaning water bottles, when used properly, are safer consumer devices to use at home. But what about UV cleaning and disinfecting at the office? Can UV light really work as a disinfectant? Is it safe? Read on to find out.

UV Light Cleaning and Disinfecting

What is UV disinfecting?

UV light has been used for decades to kill bacteria and viruses. Since mid-March, germicidal ultraviolet technology has been getting a lot of attention. It is so effective that it’s often used in hospitals, where high-level cleaning and disinfecting has always been a necessity. Cleaning professionals in medical settings use UV devices to reduce the spread of bacteria and bugs that are resistant to medication, as well as effective disinfection in surgical rooms. Now, many professionals are using (or considering) UV light cleaning and disinfecting in schools, offices, and restaurants. This can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus as these settings reopen and adjust to the new normal.

How does UV disinfection work?

This process involves using UV-C light to clean and disinfect. This man-made light is one of three classes of UV light. Like UV-A and UV-B, UV-C comes primarily from the sun. But UV-C is the one that doesn’t reach us because our atmosphere absorbs it first. UV-C lights are used in sanitizing devices to disinfect surfaces. The light in these devices is strong enough to demolish the genetic material in bacteria and viruses. Because this particular class of light doesn’t reach the Earth, we can’t achieve the same effects by simply increasing sun exposure.

One important thing to keep in mind is that this particular coronavirus strain has been around for such a short amount of time that researchers haven’t been able to perform sufficient studies on the efficacy of all of the applicable cleaning and disinfecting methods yet. But we know that it has worked on previous coronavirus strains, so the relevant scientific evidence suggests it would have the same effects here. Another thing to keep in mind is that this is an incredibly strong and potent cleaning and disinfecting method. UV light can damage your skin and eyes. As such, it should only be used on a surface or object that needs cleaning. Do not use UVC light on your skin, and handle with care (preferably by a professional).

Deciding if you need it

For months, we’ve all been practicing safe social distancing. We’ve kept six feet away from others, worn masks in public, washed our hands and sanitized more frequently. We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Now that businesses, offices, and schools are reopening, we must continue to increase the measures that are keeping us and our loved ones safe and healthy. We weren’t all prepared for the outbreak when it began, but we can be prepared for how we address it now. By increasing the level, frequency, and efficacy of our cleaning and disinfecting processes, we can work toward a post-coronavirus world together.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that UV cleaning and disinfecting is a requirement. Ultimately, the choice is yours. There are human-safe UV light fixtures with low enough doses of UV-C lights to help reduce the spread of germs and viruses without damaging the skin, eyes, or causing other health problems. These are common in medical settings and are just starting to make their way into other business and commercial settings. But more research may be needed to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Corvus Janitorial

With a wide variety of cleaning and disinfecting service options available, Corvus Janitorial can help you keep your office clean and safe. We offer high-impact disinfecting services for workplaces, including increased frequencies and convenient timing. In addition to UV light disinfecting, our high-level disinfecting services include electrostatic spraying and ultra-low volume fogging. Major airlines are using these techniques to disinfect passenger planes. We also offer re-focused cleaning and chemical applications, exposure cleaning and disinfecting, and can help you with mindful office organization. No job is too big or small at your local Corvus Janitorial office. Call us today to get started with a free consultation.

CEO Shares Home Cleaning and Disinfecting Tips

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Good Morning Arkansas

Interview with Corvus Janitorial CEO Justin Douglas

Corvus Janitorial Systems’ founder and co-CEO, Justin Douglas, sat down with KATV ABC7: Good Morning Arkansas’ Alyson Courtney to discuss cleaning and disinfecting your home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This interview aired on April 13, 2020.

Reporter:

Well, now more than ever cleaning services and cleaning thoroughly are vital. Cleaning expert Justin Douglas has been in the cleaning and janitorial business for more than 20 years and has some helpful tips to keep you from making some cleaning mistakes.

Courtney:

Justin, yes you guys are vitally important. The janitorial services that we just kind of took for granted for a long time. Really now, at the forefront of this pandemic, we need those cleaning services now more than ever. For people at home, what are some of the things that we need to keep in mind as we’re trying to clean our own homes?

Douglas:

Well, I think one of the big things that people need to be aware of is their schedule, what they’re cleaning, how often, and being aware of those high touchpoints. That’s where the germs and the disinfecting, of course, need to take place because everyone in your home is handling those items and objects.

Courtney:

There’re some mistakes out there that I’m sure that you notice as a professional in this business that a lot of us at home are making. Talk about some of those big mistakes.

Douglas:

Yeah, I think the biggest mistake that people are making has to do with the chemicals as well as the application of them. So, you want to clean a surface, but then you need to disinfect it. And when you’re doing that, you need to let the chemical dwell to have enough time to kill whatever it needs to kill–in this case, it’s a virus or bacteria. So, that two-step process is critical.

The other thing that I think people are making mistakes about is re-infecting areas that are clean. So, the frequency of cleaning those surfaces, how you’re cleaning them, again just being mindful of the fact that you may clean something in the morning, but it may need to be hit again in the afternoon and the evening as many times as possible. You know, avoiding re-infecting areas.

Courtney:

The dirtiest parts of our homes might not necessarily be where we think they are.

Douglas:

That’s right. I mean, what people have typically thought about cleaning–vacuuming the floors, trash–that, of course, is also still important, but you know, it’s become very different now.

I think that appliances are probably the dirtiest places in the house. And specifically, washing machines, dryers, and quite frankly, your trash bin because that’s where soiled materials are going to go. It’s just not a part of our regular routine so we’re reminding people that of course, you’re hitting the appliances as we said, but anywhere that soiled materials–rags, cloths, paper towels– that you’ve used to clean are going now needs to be cleaned too.

Courtney:

Let’s talk about the products that we use to clean and disinfect our homes. It’s been hard to find some of those products lately because everyone has gone out to get the Lysol and the disinfecting wipes. What should we be using and what should we use if we can’t necessarily find what we would typically like to use?

Douglas:

Yeah, so I think the supply chain is catching up. But certainly, people went out and bought in bulk and that’s understandable. In terms of a disinfectant, you want to be using an EPA certified disinfectant. The CDC is a great resource for people out there, and they have a list of all of these types of cleaning chemicals that you can use.

You know, in the event that you can’t get something at the store, there are home remedies. I think the thing that your viewers should be very careful about is mixing those home remedies, just as a disclaimer. But bleach is a disinfectant that you can use that the CDC is recommending and you need to dilute it with water correctly. And so is hydrogen peroxide.

Then, there are some more basic remedies, but I don’t think that they’re ideal for this sort of pandemic. White vinegar, for instance, has some disinfecting properties, but EPA certified disinfectant followed by bleach and hydrogen peroxide.

Courtney:

Let’s talk about disinfecting things that we bring into our homes. First off, we have our shoes on. Should we be leaving those outside? Then, as we bring in mail, packages, groceries, should we specifically be disinfecting each of those items?

Douglas:

Yes. And, I think that’s where people break down in terms of their vigilance, if you will. When groceries arrive, when packages come, I mean, frankly, it’s almost the only interaction we’re having with the outside world right now and I think people get excited. But the delivery people who are just as critical, I think, as janitors right now are out in the world and not social distancing.

So, what I think is really important is to set up almost a manufacturing line in your home. If you get home and you get packages, if you can leave them outside for a period of time, put them in your garage, put them somewhere safe. Quarantine those packages, quite frankly, for a period of time and then once that’s elapsed go out and disinfect it with a Lysol or a disinfectant. Then, also, get rid of the packaging that whatever you’ve ordered has come in. Or, if in the case of groceries, if you can take your strawberries from one of those plastic containers and put them into clean Tupperware, that’s what you really need to be doing. So, it’s the chemical, but it’s also the awareness about [the] order of operations for bringing outside objects into your home.

Courtney:

And Justin, are you guys still working as much and how does someone know when they do need a professional to come in?

Douglas:

We are an office cleaning company. Because so many of our customers are now quarantined and sheltering in place, we’re trying to provide home cleaning tips. You know, I think it’s a tricky situation that we’re in, obviously, that’s an understatement. But, for the time being, being aware of who is in your home and who’s not is probably the best and first line of defense. Therefore, if you can do your own cleaning at home, that’s probably the right thing to do. And you know, we’ve all got a lot of people at home these days, so you want to press your family into service and make it a team sport.

Courtney:

Justin, thanks so much for your time. I know you guys are certainly teaching us a lot as we learn to do it ourselves at home and make sure we’re doing it correctly. We appreciate you.

Douglas:

Thank you, it’s a pleasure.

Corvus Janitorial

If you’re looking for a commercial cleaning company that uses only the highest-quality products and proven techniques, Corvus Janitorial is it. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

Corvus Endorses H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act

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As our country and communities continue to face the coronavirus head-on, it has never been more important that offices, schools, restaurants, food production facilities, and other businesses are thoroughly and effectively cleaned and disinfected. The reopening of the American economy and the return to workplaces by employees and patrons brings with it new health and safety concerns for employers. Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of workers, families, and society at large is a top priority as we continue to reopen.

In order for the economy to continue opening up, it is critical that businesses have sufficient resources to invest in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment for their workers and customers. This will entail businesses significantly improving upon their cleaning and disinfection practices in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and to create peace of mind in workers and customers alike.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and industry groups have all issued guidance that calls for increased frequency and scope of cleaning and disinfecting applications. The “new normal” for commercial cleaning standards will increase costs to businesses at a time of unprecedented revenue declines and uncertainty.

Federal legislation is needed to address the rising costs to businesses associated with enhanced cleaning and disinfection programs. It is for this reason that Corvus would like to thank Representatives Darin LaHood and Stephanie Murphy for introducing H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act.

The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives in June, would create a $25,000 temporary tax credit per location (capped at $250,000 per business entity) for a business’ qualified cleaning expenses. H.R. 7079 allows business taxpayers a tax credit for 50% of their qualified cleaning expenses, such as amounts paid for cleaning services and products, tools, machinery, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other sanitary equipment, as well as training and certification in cleaning.

The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act is a bipartisan bill that ensures businesses will be able to adequately protect employees and patrons and allow them to continue serving their communities. This commonsense legislation is critical in helping our nation’s businesses safeguard the health and safety of workers and customers and preventing further outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.

Corvus strongly urges members of the House, the Senate, and the White House to pass additional bipartisan stimulus that includes H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act. Additionally, we encourage our teammates, franchise partners, customers, and communities to contact their local congressperson to show support for H.R. 7079.

To see the bill in its entirety and for more information on the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act, click here.