COVID 19

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.

The High-Level Disinfecting Method Trusted by Airlines and Hotels

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By now, we all know how important it is to give extra attention to high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas. And that’s not just in your home and or your office space. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s busiest passenger airport, sees 107.4 million passengers each year. To keep up with the high demand, there are over 700,000 hotels and resorts across the globe. Settings like airports and hotels that see near-constant traffic can be hard to keep effectively clean and disinfected, but it’s not impossible if you know how to do it right.

These are a few settings where it’s incredibly important to keep everything clean and disinfected. High-traffic locations can easily spread germs and viruses to millions of people if they’re not properly maintained. Even if the coronavirus changed the way we do it, it’s clear from recent data that we’re not done traveling. So, what are the recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedures for places that see the highest amounts of traffic and have the most high-touch surfaces? The answer might be one you’re not very familiar with yet. Luckily, Corvus Janitorial is.

Disinfecting with Electrostatic Sprayers

Some of the largest airlines in the world are relying on high-level electrostatic sprayers to sanitize every flight and ensure their passengers’ safety. Delta is one of them, reporting that electrostatic spraying “provides a safe and effective way to thoroughly clean an aircraft cabin from floor to ceiling.” Next time you take a flight, you can find comfort in the fact that all high-touch surfaces, including your seat, screen, armrest, tray table, door, and restroom will be disinfected this way. They’ll be used in crew cabins, airline offices, and other settings there, too.

How Electrostatic Sprayers Work

The sprayers work by electrically charging and dispersing high-level liquid disinfectants via fine mists into the air and onto surfaces. This is a highly effective technique used to attack germs, bacteria, and viruses. For years, electrostatic spraying has been used in healthcare settings. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities have long recognized the benefits of employing this method to stop the spread of dangerous germs and infections. But since the coronavirus outbreak, airlines and hotels have broken into the space, too.

An Emerging Trend

Delta’s not the only one that has caught on to this germ-killing super method. Southwest Airlines is also making use of this highly effective method of disinfection, along with United Airlines, and Singapore Air. One of the largest lodging companies in the country, Marriot, has recently upgraded its cleaning procedures to include electrostatic spraying. Another large hotel chain, Hilton, is considering following suit. As we progress further into the year and travel becomes more widely acceptable again (and eagerly anticipated), it’s highly likely that we’ll see this list continue to grow.

Cleaning and Disinfecting for the Future

These high-traffic airlines and hotels are making use of one of the most powerful disinfecting methods we currently have available. And they’re using it in conjunction with other important cleaning and disinfecting methods. We can expect to see more options for virtual, contact-free check-ins, digital room keys, booking buffers, and limited shared spaces (where possible) going forward. The pandemic has changed a lot of things about the ways we all live. While many of the impacts are negative, increased comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting through methods like electrostatic spraying is a huge positive.

This potent disinfectant application is allowing airlines and hotels to take control back from the coronavirus. You can use it to take back control in your office, too. We can’t put our lives on hold forever. But as we begin to return to “normal life,” we might have to make some adjustments. From summer vacations to daily office life, small adjustments can get us back to where we need to be. Corvus Janitorial is offering electrostatic spray services for high-level disinfecting that gives you peace of mind when you need it. Use it to keep your office safe and to reduce the spread of both the coronavirus and other viruses, too.

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.

HEPA Filters in Vacuums: Why We Use Them and What You Need to Know

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Before the pandemic began, vacuum filters weren’t something that many of us thought about. But in the post-outbreak world, we’re all digging a bit deeper. We’re considering our options, diving into the details, and making better choices. We can do the hard work that’s necessary to keep ourselves, our loved ones, our employees or coworkers, and our communities safe. Choosing HEPA filters and cleaning services that use HEPA filters are two easy ways that we can make a big difference in the air quality at the office and at home. But what are HEPA filters?

HEPA Filters vs. Regular Filters

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters are often also called high-efficiency particulate absorbing and high-efficiency particulate arrestance (the measure of a filter’s ability to remove synthetic dust from the air). Whichever name you know them by, their purpose is the same: to serve as an efficiency standard of air filter. HEPA filters remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This percentage meets the United States Department of Energy (DOE) standard adopted by most American industries.

How HEPA Filters Work

HEPA filters remove contaminants from surfaces and the air by forcing the air through fibers that trap them. The fibers are typically made out of fiberglass. There is very little airspace left between the filters, so they can catch even the smallest particles. These particles are trapped in three different ways: diffusion, interception, and impaction. Each of the three methods differs slightly for maximum efficiency. Together, they provide unbeatable air filtering.

Diffusion is the result of the collision of gas molecules and the smallest particles in the area. The particles are impeded and delayed as they pass through the filter. Interception occurs when particles following the natural air stream come in contact with one of the HEPA filter’s fibers and then stick to it. And with impaction, larger particles can’t avoid the fibers and end up embedded in one of them instead. The three methods of trapping particles come together to give us that minimum of 99.97% removal.

Benefits of Using HEPA Filters

HEPA filters offer high-quality purification. They are highly effective in removing particles like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and smoke. A normal vacuum would recirculate these particles back into the air. HEPA-filtered vacuums trap the particles instead. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, a true HEPA filter is needed, not just a filter that mimics its style. There are many benefits to removing these air particles, especially for individuals with asthma, allergies, or breathing problems.

These conditions, and others, can be triggered or worsened by small particles in the air that would be left behind by normal vacuums. With these tiny particles removed from your office or living space, your indoor air quality is drastically improved. HEPA filters can also remove dust, mold, and bacteria. They’re useful in every setting where the air quality can be improved, not just the ones where you worry about allergies and asthma. You’ll notice the difference immediately. HEPA filters are a simple way to provide cleaner air and peace of mind.

HEPA Vacuum Maintenance

If you’re using vacuums or air purifiers with HEPA filters at home or the office, it’s important to keep them maintained. Check the HEPA filters every two weeks. On average, HEPA filters have to be replaced every six months. It may be more or less depending on how often you use it and how contaminated the area gets. The best method is to replace the filter as soon as it starts to look discolored. These filters can be part of a bigger plan to keep pesky particles out of your office or home. For the best results, vacuum often, and reduce the number of harmful particles by keeping other areas cleaned and disinfected, too.

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. We use high-quality HEPA-filtered vacuums to improve the air quality in the offices and buildings we service. These filters remove particles and impurities from the air instead of circulating them right back in like normal vacuums do. What you’re left with is cleaner air and a higher quality of life. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

How Coronavirus Will Change Your Office

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Now that restrictions are lifting, most of us are left wondering what post-coronavirus life will look like. The CDC is urging businesses, schools, and other facilities to follow updated practices as they re-open. Until we have a better understanding, an effective vaccine, and pre-COVID numbers, it’s up to us to ensure the health and safety of ourselves and the people around us. If you’re wondering how the coronavirus outbreak will change your office, there’s a lot here to consider.

Why Offices Employers and Employees Need to Adjust

We all need to continue doing our part in slowing the spread and ending this pandemic. If the numbers have gone down enough for your town to feel comfortable re-opening, that’s a good sign. But it doesn’t mean that we’re entirely in the clear yet. By following updating practices, keeping our distance, changing our office setups, and increasing our cleaning and disinfecting processes, we can keep ourselves and each other safe.

For the last few months, the majority of America’s workforce has been working from home. In a recent survey, 66% of workers reported that they’re not comfortable going back to their workplace the way things are right now. But if you work for a company that requires your physical presence at work each day now that restrictions are lifting, employers and employees will have to compromise. It’s up to employers to make their valued employees feel more comfortable, safe, and valued.

In the same survey, 64% of respondents would prefer the ability to wear a mask at work; 61% hope to maintain social distancing in the office, and 49% want to see limited numbers in workplace meetings. These are a few things that are easy to implement as offices reopen. And they’re a great start. But we all have to do more.

Why Office Spaces Need to Change

Most traditional office spaces have been set up in a way that doesn’t align with proper social distancing. After all, this is something that we didn’t see coming. But now, it’s time to adjust. Office spaces with open layouts, large conference rooms, shared workspaces, and a clear lack of division won’t survive the post-coronavirus world. Unless employers want to see their offices shut down again while their employees fight the virus at home, office spaces will have to change. They’ll need to create more space between cubicles or workspaces, break meetings into smaller groups, and operate at a reduced capacity until we know it’s safe again.

The CDC is recommending:

• Hazard assessments in the workplace
• Cloth face coverings at work (or more drastic protection measures if the area is deemed hazardous)
• Keeping six feet of distance between each individual
• Immediately sending symptomatic employees home
• Increasing air circulation in shared spaces
• Cleaning and disinfecting routinely

What the Post-Coronavirus Office will Look and Feel Like

The good news is that many offices are already implementing a lot of the changes we’ve talked about. In the short-term, many are occupying their offices at a reduced capacity. Some are suggesting that employees alternate their schedules so that only 50% of them are in the office at the same time. This would mean that in one workweek, 50% would be working in the office while the other 50% work from home. The following week, they’d switch. Large meetings are being canceled, moved to virtual, shortened, or broken up into smaller groups. Temperatures are being checked at the door. Face masks are being worn throughout the day.

Another change you’ll notice immediately is that your cubicle probably won’t look the way it did three months ago. At least some of them won’t. Ones with thick, high walls may remain. But others that serve as flimsy dividers that end at your chin will likely be improved or replaced. The same way fast-food chains, convenience, and grocery stores have implemented shields made of plexiglass or similar materials, we can expert similar enclosures from our office cubicles.

These are excellent changes to make until we have more substantial processes to rely on. But now that we know how quickly a simple virus can come along and shake up the whole world, we have to consider long-term changes, too. For experts, businesses, and many others, long-term requirements are clear. And one of the largest ones is updated and increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures. This is where Corvus Janitorial and our incredible franchisees come in.

The Bottom Line

For the foreseeable future, it’s important to follow the CDC’s updates closely. Changed office spaces, reduced capacities, consistent use of masks and social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures are all current recommendations. Almost all offices will need more cleaning and disinfecting services now that the scope of work has changed. What used to be a schedule of casual vacuuming, dusting, and light cleaning for many companies has now evolved into a true medical need. We need increased attention and care to keep ourselves, workers, our families, and our communities safe.

Corvus Janitorial can help meet these goals and mitigate the spread of the virus by providing more thorough, regular disinfection programs. Both the methods and the frequencies must be updated. In an ongoing effort to help fight against the spread of COVID, we’ve implemented a high-impact disinfection system with highly effective techniques that have been proven in other settings. These systems have been used in hospitals, clinics, and airlines to thoroughly and properly disinfect high-touch and high-traffic areas. We’re thrilled to be bringing these systems to your offices to keep you, your employees, and your families safe.

Our new disinfection processes include:

• Electrostatic sprayers
• ULV fogging
• UV light disinfection

Electrostatic sprayers use an electrical charge to apply a high-quality coating, cleaner, or disinfectant to the chosen surface. This makes it easier to cover more surface area, disinfect hard-to-reach areas, and eliminate any human error involved in manual disinfecting. This way, all surfaces are properly disinfected, not just the high-touch ones. Additionally, when disinfectants are applied this way, they don’t have to be wiped down. This eliminates the dwell time and increases its effectiveness.

ULV fogging is another service that is used by major airlines. This is a similar process, in which a pump and blower are used to atomize the cleaner or disinfectant and spread it in the air. This allows for greater coverage, disinfection or larger areas, and an efficient, effective process. Lastly, UV light disinfection stops germs, bacteria, and viruses in their tracks. Without the use of chemicals, this method relies on wavelengths of UV light that give you rapid and effective results. Our cleaning and disinfecting processes are a step above the rest. Call us today to see what we can do for you.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit corvusjanitorial.com or corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

Corvus Franchise Owners Are Proud to Serve Essential Businesses

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We are all living through uncertain and unprecedented times. Corvus Janitorial franchise owners are stepping up to the challenges facing our nation. While many businesses have gone into lockdown, essential service providers have remained open. They have faced the coronavirus pandemic head-on. Essential workers are continuing to provide goods and services to the general population, and they do this despite often putting themselves at a greater risk of infection. From food distributors to medical facilities, manufacturers to law enforcement, Corvus wants to thank essential workers. We are proud to service essential businesses and the employees that keep them running. We are proud to support those that are keeping their doors open for the good of the public.

Individuals and businesses have had to make radical changes in their everyday lives. This is particularly true for essential businesses, and they’ve had to adapt their practices in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Keeping employees safe and healthy has always been important, but never before has the issue been so front-of-mind and clear. In this volatile time, businesses are rapidly updating their standards and procedures. Cleaning regimens have seen more attention than most other areas. We support these businesses and their efforts to ensure a safe, sanitary workplace. As such, we’ve done what we can to make it easier for them. Corvus franchise owners have been accommodating changes in the scope of their services. This flexibility helps us provide high-level, unapparelled services.

In labor-intensive, high-volume essential industries like manufacturing, updates are necessary. A growing number of Corvus customers are requesting changes. Increases in the frequency of cleaning services have been a common request. Enhanced disinfection programs and day porting services are also in demand. We’re proud of what our Franchisees have been doing to help the state of the nation. So, we want to highlight some of the stories we’ve encountered over the last few weeks.

Chicago Corvus Franchisee, Marquette Dewitt, exemplifies our high standard of customer care. He has cleaned for Packaging Corporation of America for the last three years. Marquette and his team have expanded beyond their regular, after-hours cleaning services. They have begun day porting at the facility for four hours each day. Included in the expanded scope of service is routine, comprehensive disinfection. “With all that’s been going on with coronavirus, I am grateful to be able to provide these businesses – and their employees – with peace of mind. Being able to do my part to help essential businesses operate smoothly and safely is a great feeling, and I’m proud to be their partner,” Marquette reflects.

Medical facilities are in particular need of extensive cleaning and disinfecting programs. Medical professionals are right on the front lines. They are combatting COVID-19 and saving lives each day. Alere Toxicology Services is an excellent example of an essential medical business. Pre-coronavirus, this company provided substance abuse testing (and continues to do so). But now, they have been administering COVID-19 tests in the New Orleans metro area, as well. Due to the nature of this work, they have altered their procedures to keep their clients safe. Franchise owner, Keelee Menina, and her crew have increased cleaning and disinfecting to three times per day. Ms. Menina says, “It has been humbling and inspiring to see the work they are doing to help our community. Our region got hit very hard initially, and businesses like Alere are saving lives. I’m just glad that my team and I can support their efforts”.

The Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA) is another important company. ARORA collaborates with hospitals to facilitate organ and tissue donations. Corvus franchise owners service ARORA’s facilities in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In a letter to local Corvus management, they’ve reminded us that what we do is so important. ARORA’s Executive Director writes, “I wanted to share my appreciation to Corvus for the outstanding work done by the cleaning team at our office… Thank you for your employee’s dedication to keeping our office clean and sanitized”. It is our pleasure; thank you, ARORA, for all that you do in our communities!

Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society is more important than ever. This has been a major emphasis during the pandemic. The elderly are at particularly high risk for serious complications from SARS-CoV-2. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the severity of this risk. “Eight of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years or older; risk of death is highest among those 85 years or older”. Elderly individuals in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are at the highest risk.

The communal nature of these facilities can act as a breeding ground for the virus. Data collected by the New York Times reveals that approximately 11% of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States have occurred in long-term care facilities. However, these facilities account for over one-third of case fatalities. It is critical that this demographic receives an even greater level of care and caution. This is true for the essential individuals who serve them, as well.

Corvus is proud to service organizations and facilities that care for elderly populations. These essential businesses provide care, medical supplies, and aid to senior citizens. Corvus of Orlando Franchisees, Julio Santos and Castillo Padilla, provide cleaning and disinfecting services to Seniors First and Kissimmee Outpatient. Seniors First facilitates local Meals on Wheels and similar programs in the area. Kissimmee Outpatient provides urgent care in the community. They have also been providing local COVID-19 testing. “The team [at Seniors First] has done so much good for the Orlando senior community over the years, and it has been really inspiring to see them step up in these difficult times. It’s an honor to be their partner – now more than ever,” Santos states.

Tarita Ivy, a Corvus of Indianapolis Franchisee, recently began performing services at HomeMed Pharmacy. HomeMed delivers essential pharmaceutical products and prescriptions to high-risk patients. “I was excited to take on the HomeMed account at the beginning of May. They are keeping vulnerable patients safe, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to contribute to their efforts”.

Corvus Janitorial Franchisees care about the communities that they serve. This has never been more clear. As this crisis evolves, we will continue to serve our communities in any way we can. Increased awareness, cleaning, and disinfecting can make all the difference. We’ll get through this together and we’ll come out stronger on the other side. If you’re ready to serve your community and take control of your career, this is the job for you, too. Contact us today to learn about business ownership with Corvus Janitorial Systems.