Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – The New and Emerging Pathogen of 2020

Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like protrusions from their surface. Human Coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. There are seven human Coronaviruses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1].

SARS-CoV-2 is the second Coronavirus capable of causing a severe acute respiratory reaction. The World Health Organization created the name COVID-19 to represent the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. In COVID-19, “CO” stands for “corona,” “VI” for “virus,” “D” for “disease,” and “19” indicates the year of discovery.

SARS-CoV-2 behaves and is structurally similar to the SARS-CoV. SARS-CoV is the Coronavirus responsible for the deaths of nearly 800 people during the 2002 – 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrom (SARS) outbreak.

Coronaviruses are nonsegmented, enveloped, positive-sense, single-strand ribonucleic acid viruses, belonging to the Coronaviridae family [2]. The virus may remain viable for up to 24 hours on dry surfaces [3]. All indications are that the same biocides that kill similar viruses will also work on SARS-CoV-2.

While we are still learning about COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes it, early indications are that we can limit the infection rates by proper hygiene. Those that are infected with this virus develop symptoms like fever, muscle and body aches, cough, and sore throat about 5-6 days after infection. Most feel miserable for about a week and get better on their own [4].

Source and Spread of the Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control (the “CDC”), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals. Coronaviruses may spread by:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Close, personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with virus particles, then touching the mouth, nose or eyes

How to Reduce the Risk of Infection
Infection risk can be reduced by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Washing hands often with soap and water
• Using hand sanitizer between hand washings when soap and water are not available
• Not touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces with products effective against Coronavirus

Surface Sanitizers
DeVere has multiple products recognized by the EPA as effective against the Human Coronavirus and on EPA List N (Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2):

• Security Cleaner and Disinfectant (DeVere’s newest disinfectant, QAC-free, 2.4% hydrogen peroxide, ready-to-use)
• QDII Sanitizer (DeVere’s 4th generation quaternary ammonium chloride sanitizer base chemical)
  • Concentrate: QDII Sanitizer
  • Ready-to-use: QDII Food Service Sanitizer RTU
  • Wipes: QDII Sanitizing Wipes
• One Step Quaternary Cleaner & Disinfectant (Concentrated disfectant and cleaner in one product)

See this link for more information on these products and their inclusion on EPA’s List N (Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2): /disinfectants-for-use-against-sars-cov-2/

Hand Sanitizers
The FDA (not EPA) regulates products categorized as hand sanitizers.  Learn more here.  These are the hand sanitizers available from DeVere:

• Bac-Off Foam Sanitizer: Foaming, alcohol-free hand sanitizer for use in foam pump, cartridge, or touch-free dispensers
• Bac-San Foam Sanitizer: Foaming, 70% ethanol/alcohol hand sanitizer for use in foam pump, cartridge, or touch-free dispensers
• Guardian Bac-San E3 (new in 2023): 70% ethanol spray hand sanitizer that works quickly and leaves no residue

Other EPA-Registered Products
While they do not yet have claims against Human Coronavirus, these EPA-registered products can stop the spread of many pathogenic organisms including viruses and bacteria:

• Security Floor Sanitizer: QAC-free, dry, floor, entryway, shoe, and drain sanitizer
• Heads Up 10: Acidic, concentrated QAC-based sanitizer
• Golden Sanitizer: Iodine-based sanitizer
• Sanitizer Concentrate: Sodium hypochloriet (chlorine bleach) sanitizer