Infection Prevention and the Built Environment

As the world continues to face historic challenges with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, infection prevention, control and antibiotic resistant microbes are moving to the forefront of conversations happening on news outlets, social media platforms and in our daily thoughts.

Jumping in on those important conversations is CPL’s design team, who has been busy discussing specific products that are proven to kill SARS-CoV-2 in a matter of hours. These products can be used in everyday spaces such as classrooms, dining halls, childcare centers, senior care facilities and hospital settings where infection control is undoubtedly critical.

With recent studies claiming that coronaviruses can last up to nine days on some surfaces, utilizing products in the built environment that “self-disinfect” could be vital in helping to prevent the future spread of infections and viruses.

For example, EOScu is a self-sanitizing surface that eliminates over 99.9% of harmful bacteria within two hours, even after repeated contamination.

Click here for more information on Copper-infused surfaces.

CPL is currently working with Rochester Regional Health to implement prevention control measures on the Sands Constellation Center for Critical Care project. Products such as safe grip cubicle curtain rods are being considered because each rod is made from bactericidal copper, which kills more than 99.9% of bacteria within two hours.

Safe Grip by Drapery Industries has an antimicrobial copper handle called CuVerro. Using products like this can enhance overall sanitation measures within a cubicle setting and help prevent the spread of bacteria.

Click here for more information.

The CPL team has extensive experience designing both education and healthcare environments and understands the many ways to prevent the spread of infections on a variety of surfaces. By sharing this knowledge with our clients, we hope to provide safe design alternatives as well as some peace of mind during these uncertain times.

With more than 15 years of experience, Jennifer is part of the design team and focuses on interior design finish and furniture selection, programing, schematic design, design development, construction documentation and administration for a variety of healthcare and higher education projects. She has substantial experience designing branding standards, wayfinding and graphics.

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