With the school year underway, now is a great time to review cleaning protocols and ensure your facility is prepared for the respiratory virus season. While respiratory viruses are detected year-round, the season usually “occurs in the fall and winter, with peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Network Distribution & OMNIA Partners provide key points and hygiene solutions to ensure cleaning for health and safety are optimized in your schools.
Respiratory viruses, including the common cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), are contagious pathogens that are of particular concern in schools due to their potential to cause outbreaks and disrupt educational activities. Proper disinfecting protocols not only promote a healthy and productive learning environment but also instill confidence in parents, students, and staff. Therefore, it is vital for schools to implement robust cleaning procedures to mitigate the transmission of these viruses and maintain a safe learning environment.
Assess Your Cleaning Protocols & Communicate with Staff
Conduct a thorough assessment of the existing cleaning protocols by reviewing what has worked well in the past and identifying areas that might need improvement. Reaching out to your contract cleaner, building service contractor, or distributor can help identify any gaps or offer new innovations.
It is important to review your cleaning protocols with all your school’s staff, including teachers and administrators, and ensure everyone is familiar with the measures and their responsibilities in maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces throughout the school year. 
Organize and Declutter Classrooms for Cleaning
Confirm that all classrooms are neat and well-ordered before the cleaning process begins. This will make it easier for custodial staff to reach all areas, including high-touch surfaces, and perform a more thorough cleaning.
Ensure Proper Inventory of Your Cleaning Supplies
Having an ample supply of cleaning products and equipment is crucial for maintaining a hygienic environment. Stock up on disinfectants, sanitizers, hand soaps, paper towels, can liners, and other materials to ensure appropriate supplies are available during the school year.
With the support of local distributors available through Network, purchasing departments can easily access a comprehensive portfolio of cleaning and disinfecting solutions for their schools and classrooms by leveraging the cooperative contract through OMNIA Partners. This provides a streamlined and cost-effective approach for procuring enough supplies for the whole academic school year.
Implement Additional Hygiene Measures Throughout the School
In addition to regular cleaning, consider implementing extra hygiene measures. Install hand sanitizing stations at key locations throughout the school, including entrances, hallways, and classrooms. Encouraging students to wash their hands regularly and provide education on proper handwashing techniques, which includes using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, according to the CDC.
Communicate with Parents, Students, and Staff
Open and transparent communication with the school community is vital. Inform parents, students, and staff about the disinfecting efforts being taken to create a safe learning environment. Provide clear instructions on hygiene practices and what steps the school is taking to ensure cleanliness.
Preparing your school for the winter illness season with a strong focus on disinfecting is crucial for the well-being of the entire school community. Assessing existing protocols, stocking up on cleaning supplies, and implementing additional hygiene measures are key steps to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. Moreover, involving the entire community through communication and feedback will foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility for maintaining cleanliness. By taking these measures, you can create an environment where students can thrive, parents can have peace of mind, and staff can work confidently knowing that cleaning efforts are a top priority.
To explore additional cleaning and hygiene solutions available on a national contract with Network, click the button below. Find products you need for your schools, local distributors in your area and contract documentation to conduct your due diligence!
About Network Distribution & OMNIA Partners
Through the power of partnership with OMNIA Partners, Network provides a variety of janitorial and sanitation solutions to local government entities, K-12 educational facilities, higher education institutions, and nonprofits. Supported by the power of local expertise, Network offers category knowledge, customizable supply management programs, and products from the industry's top suppliers. This competitively solicited and publicly awarded cooperative contract reduces the cost of goods and services by aggregating the collective buying power of public sector agencies and streamlining the buying process. Click here to learn more about how Network can provide solutions for your facility. Find your local distributor today!