Question reference: S5W-29730
- Asked by: Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 8 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 26 June 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has received on the effectiveness or otherwise of the disinfection of public places as a measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Answer
Evidence on this matter has been received through the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and Scotland's Chief Medical Officer. The Scottish Government also monitors international evidence, in particular that from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Under most circumstances, even without cleaning or disinfection, the amount of infectious virus on any contaminated surfaces is likely to have decreased significantly by 72 hours. We know that similar viruses, are transferred to and by people’s hands and therefore frequent hand hygiene and regular decontamination of frequently touched environmental and equipment surfaces will help to reduce the risk of infection transmission.