One thing they all have learned is that different surfaces have different cleaning requirements. Carpet can be particularly challenging to clean even in non-pandemic times: Muddy feet trample all over it, coffee gets spilled on it, and food crumbs settle into it. Worst of all, pathogens like bacteria and viruses get trapped in it. While area rugs and upholstered chairs can be removed, it is simply too impractical—and expensive—for most facility managers to remove all the carpet in their buildings and replace it with an easier-to-clean flooring type.

Despite the challenges, carpet can be part of a healthy environment with the proper care. Here are five things facility managers should keep in mind to ensure their carpets are cleaned as thoroughly and safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Carpet cannot be disinfected, only sanitized.

Cleaning is not the same as sanitizing, and sanitizing is not the same as disinfecting. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some clear distinctions between them. In fact, carpet cannot be disinfected, only sanitized. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only registers disinfectants for hard, non-porous surfaces. As a porous surface, carpet contains small pores, or holes, that can collect dirt and germs. The good news is porous surfaces are less hospitable to viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Because viruses are trapped in the holes of the surface, they are less likely to transfer to other surfaces and therefore don’t survive for very long.

Whether sanitizing or disinfecting any surface, the first step is always to clean it. This prevents pathogens from hiding under layers of dirt and dust. When it comes to carpets, this involves removing loose soil and other substances, like tar or paint, before deep cleaning and sanitizing.

2. The right vacuum makes all the difference in carpet care.

A vacuum is essential for keeping carpet clean and healthy—but it is important to select the right one for your needs. A dual-motor upright vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system can be a vital tool for fighting COVID-19 in any facility. With one motor dedicated to creating the suction and the other motor dedicated to turning the brush, these powerful tools are extremely efficient, allowing the user to thoroughly vacuum a space in a single pass. Some prefer upright vacuums because the weight of the vacuum sits directly over the surface being cleaned, making it easier to suction out dirt and debris buried deep in the carpet. Others may choose backpack or canister models with HEPA filtration for ease of use and mobility.

HEPA filters trap airborne dust, allergens and pathogens—including viruses—instead of releasing them back into the air. It’s important to change the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid transferring pathogens from one site to another.

3. Robotics can be a game changer.

Vacuuming is a time-consuming and monotonous task. It can also be physically demanding; lugging around heavy vacuums can cause back pain, and the repetitive arm motions can result in shoulder, wrist, and elbow injuries. Autonomous vacuum sweepers can take over this job with little-to-no assistance. Once programmed with their routes, these collaborative robots, or cobots, can perform routine vacuuming effectively and efficiently, allowing cleaning staff to focus on other tasks that require more attention to detail, like disinfecting high-touch areas.

Cobots also offer increased transparency and proof of performance. They provide a report after

each vacuum indicating when and where they cleaned. Facility managers can use this data to identify opportunities for improvement and improve efficiency over time.

4. All products are not created equal.

Choosing the right cleaning product for carpet isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial. The wrong product can at best be inefficient and at worst damage the flooring or harm human health. When deep cleaning, facility managers should make sure their BSCs use a pre-spray that is certified under the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Seal of Approval testing program and has a Green Seal or equivalent certification. BSCs should follow the instructions on the product label, including allowing the product to dwell, or remain visibly wet, for the indicated period of time.

To sanitize, BSCs should apply an appropriately diluted product included on the EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 using hot water extraction while the carpet is still damp from the pre-spray. The disinfectants on this list have been thoroughly tested and vetted to ensure they demonstrate efficacy against either the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 or a similar pathogen. Again, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.

5. Employee comfort should be top of mind.

If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has made crystal clear, it’s that cleaning for health is more important than cleaning for appearance. But that doesn’t mean appearances don’t matter. In fact, in many ways, they matter more than ever. Today there is a heightened awareness of the importance of cleanliness, and employees are paying close attention to how their workplaces look. It doesn’t matter how often a carpet is vacuumed and sanitized if the muddy footprints and coffee stains remain; employees will take one look at the carpet and consider it dirty—and therefore unhealthy.

As facility managers focus on fine-tuning their facilities’ cleaning regimens and finding the right BSCs, tools, and products, it’s easy to overlook the perspective of the very people working in those buildings. By prioritizing employee peace of mind and keeping an eye out for cleaning inconsistencies, facility managers can improve the health of their buildings and help employees breathe easy.

This move follows the recent order by President Muhammadu Buhari, in line with local and global best practices for curbing the spread of COVID-19.

In his nationwide broadcast on Sunday, President Buhari ordered that a total lock down be observed in two states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in a bid to combat the virus.

The President said directed the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.

Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, the President also extended the restriction to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

In line with the President’s order, security operatives have taken to the streets to ensure that the curfew is obeyed.

It is hoped that the containment period would be used to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases.

Below are some photos from the police exercise.

The police gave this clarification following reports of partial compliance by petty traders whose businesses are not located in open markets.

Spokesman Bala Elkana stated that such persons, even if they do not sell essential and life saving items, were excluded from the shutdown.

Citing an example, Elkana said a hairdressing saloon located in a street was free to open as long as it does not accommodate more than 25 people at a go and also strictly prevented body contacts among people.

Elkana also said policemen on duty have been charged to show compassion and sympathy while enforcing the orders because no one prepared for much situation.

“Well, let me start by saying that this is not a conventional situation. The primary mandate of the police is to protect lives and properties and I am not sure we have found ourselves in this kind of situation where we need to enforce not the conventional law, but how to stop the spread of the virus.

“So, this is a new one that requires new approach. It requires more of compassion, sympathy and you know something that is new also needs more time for people to get used to it.

“So, that is why the commissioner of police is leading the enforcement. We go round together, meet people and also look at what the police are doing. We also gave out dedicated lines for people to call and register their complainants.

“The complaints we have received so far have been minimal and they are addressed as they come in.

“Since this situation also affected physical meetings between the Commissioner of Police and officers and men across the state, more of radio communication is being used and so, once a complaint is received, the CP addresses it through the radio.

“The policemen have been given clearance that the shutdown basically affects markets and these are markets where they do not sell essential commodities.

“This does not include isolated shops on the streets. Only markets because markets attract a large number of people.

“Life must continue, we are not shutting down Lagos completely. The order did not shut down Lagos.

“The order is saying that markets that attract crowd to them should remain closed because they have high risk of spreading the virus.

“That is the clearance he (CP) gave yesterday very well to all the policemen and he made sure they all acknowledged and they understood it. He gave room for them to ask questions through the walkie-talkie on areas they needed clarification.

“Even if the shops on the streets do not deal in essential commodities, they are free to open up.

“The condition there is that crowd must not gather there. The shop owner must not have more than 25 persons at a time gathering there and if people are coming into the shop, he should make sure that they have space.

“If you have a small shop, do not let it get congested, let some people wait outside while you attend to some. There has to be space so that there is no body contacts. All these are guidelines to help us stop the spread of this virus,” said Elkana.

Nigeria born, multi-talented, Zurich, Switzerland based singer and rapper, Godson Nwachukwu, popularly known and nicknamed “Nazodobas”, and later evolved to “NazB” has signed a multi-million endorsement deal with Paany Water Filter, a global water technology agency. NazB was unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador of the high-tech hollow fiber membranes Germany water filter company in Lagos, Nigeria.

NazB, the “Superfly” crooner announced his new partnership with the German based agency, which was signed recently during his visit to Nigeria. He louded his expressions, noting that his commitments and engagements is geared at encouraging efforts to deliver excellence, through developing creative songs for his fans and followers across the world.

Signed as an ambassador of one of the most trendy water filter agency in the world, with over 25years of global operations, the new brand ambassador, NazB will now be a frontliner in promoting the brand across Africa and in the Nigeria market. However, with the extensive and broad fan base of NazB in Africa and across the globe, Paany is certain to have made a perfect choice in this endorsement deal with NazB

NazB who has been consistent with dropping of hit Afro beats singles, including his recent “Ejeme Uwa Ole” which showcased his undying love for his motherland and the African culture, will be carrying the campaign of “safe water for Africa” across nations in the African continent with a zeal to promote Paany as a Brand Ambassador.

Speaking to State Press Nigeria, NazB described his role as a Messenger of Paany, and emphasized on the need to create awareness about the current water problems in Africa, especially in the hinterlands. He noted that everybody should have access to safe and bacteria-free water around the world, regardless.

Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, is said to be seriously ill and in fact suspected of being infected with Coronavirus.

A top government source told SaharaReporters on Monday that Kyari has been seriously “down” since returning from a trip abroad.

Kyari visited Germany and Egypt and only returned this week, giving credence to the fact that he may have indeed been infected with the virus.

Egypt has 327 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 14 deaths while Germany has 29,056 infections and 123 deaths.

Though coughing severely, Kyari is said to have been attending meetings including with Buhari, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, ministers and other members of the Federal Executive Council.

Executive Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Prof James Momoh, was said to have accompanied Kyari on the trip to both countries.

The latest development comes hours after a leaked memo showed Kyari telling Nigerian legislators, who recently returned from foreign trips, to submit themselves for Coronavirus test.

It also comes after Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s President, disclosed that one of her daughters was in self-isolation after returning from the United Kingdom, one of the high risk countries for the virus.

On Monday, Nigeria confirmed its first Coronavirus death after a former Managing Director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Suleiman Achimugu, succumbed to the virus in Abuja.

Earlier, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control announced a total of 36 confirmed cases but with Kyari’s suspected infection, that figure may have now risen to 37.

The association yesterday announced the suspension of the strike after an emergency meeting in Calabar, the state capital, with the pledged to join other professional associations in the fight to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The members of the association were said to have embarked on the strike following the kidnap of the wife of one of their colleague, Mrs. Christiana Ekanem.

The branch Chairman of NMA, Dr. Agam Ayuk and Secretary, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, in a statement said: “Following Mrs. Ekanem eventual safe release by her abductors on March 21, the indefinite withdrawal of medical services in both private and public hospitals across the state is hereby suspended, while medical and dental practitioners in Cross River State are directed to resume duties immediately.

“The association remains grateful to everyone, who supported the family and the association in ensuring her safe release. The poor security situation in Cross River State remains a daily reality as citizens continue to live in fear. We, therefore, reiterate our call on the state government to show more political will and urgently put measures in place to secure lives and property in Cross River State as its primary constitutional responsibility.”

NMA expressed optimism that this would be the last time the association would have to take the difficult decision of withdrawing medical services in the event of kidnapping of its members and also expressed hope that their collective resolve would not be put to test again.
The association added: “The COVID-19 pandemic is a reality with increasing number of confirmed cases, which stands at 35 in Nigeria as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Federal Ministry of Health as at the time of this press release.

“We, therefore, call on the state government to enforce the ban on large gatherings and review to a more stringent limited number as the risk increases.”

NMA called on the citizens to take seriously the recommended guidelines on social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene, and pledged to contribute and work with other professional associations to ensure that necessary facilities were available for healthcare providers to prevent coronavirus.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja.

“All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given,” Mr Mustapha said.

President Buhari also on Monday suspended the weekly Federal Executive Council meetings until further notice.

The President took the decision on the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Coronavirus.

The Task Force also approved other additional measures including, the postponement of the meeting of Council of State scheduled for Thursday the 26th of March 2020.

Other measures taken include that all land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure should now be closed to human traffic for 4 weeks effective from the 23rd of March, 2020.

The President also noted that in order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) will direct on actions to be taken immediately.

He also resolved that if and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 will be mobilized and deployed.

An assurance was also given that at the highest level, engagements with state governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID19, are ongoing.

‘… What better way is there to spend one’s day in these unsettling times of propagated self isolation? Well, I dusted up some old magazines, took a walk around the grounds and now settling for a cool lime, grenadine and mint cocktail…. Cheers, Everybody!’

Umar said this in a tweet on Monday, barely two days after the FIRS authorities denied reports that its employee had tested positive for the virus.

He tweeted:

Lockdown Lagos & Abuja NOW, please please please.

Someone on my flight tested positive, that is to say everyone on that flight has been exposed.

Although, I’m in self isolation, time to go get tested ASAP.

I have just tested positive for COVID-19. At the moment, I am still under self-isolation as health personnel make their way to my house for evacuation to Gwagwalada Isolation Centre. My neighbours and employer have been notified accordingly.

Samuel Adejuwon, a retired headmaster based in Akure, Ondo State, tells PETER DADA about his life, career, family and other issues

You’re said to be 96 years old, how did you know your age?

I can remember that my father took me to Ikere Ekiti from my hometown, Ido-Ajinare, at a tender age, to be living with a relation (woman) so that I could start my elementary school at Saint John’s Primary School. That was in the 1930s.

I started school at that time and I was already grown a bit. That was how we could deduce that I must be 96 at least now. I could remember that I wept for almost a week when I got there. I started Class I because I was a little bit mature. I got to Class II there. After taking an examination, I did Standard I and II but had to continue Standard III in Okemesi Ekiti at Saint Michael’s Primary School with a group of pupils from Ido-Ajinare. We would leave on Sunday evening and come back on Friday evening. I went further to Ijero Ekiti for Standard V and Standard VI. After Standard VI, I started teaching at the same Saint Michael’s Primary School. I taught for four years before I proceeded to Saint John’s Teachers’ College, Owo.

After my training as a teacher in Owo, I started working as a trained teacher. I later became a head teacher at Saint Michael’s Primary School, Ilara-Mokin. As a trained teacher, I was full of pride and people respected me a lot in the community. Ladies always flocked around me.

You look younger than the age you have described, what is the secret?

God is the secret of my longevity.

Did you pick your wife among those ladies that flocked around you in those days?

There, I had two female teachers working with me. One of them was from Ipogun; she was dark and fat, and the other one was fair and slender, but walked sluggishly. When thinking having a wife, I had to consider the one from Ipogun.

When did you get married to her?

We got married in January 1955.

How did you woo her?

I was the head teacher then which made me a popular person. Being a teacher then gave one a great chance. Besides, I was living in her father’s house before I wooed her, so it made it easier for me. However, it suddenly dawned on me when I took her home for introduction that like me, she came from a village and I started wondering how the marriage would work. Despite that, I still married her and she loved me.

How did she react when you proposed to her?

Why would she say no? Me, a neat and well dressed teacher! If you saw my dressing then, no lady would see me and not admire me. It was an express agreement.

When you got married, did she live with you or in her hometown, considering how you were moving from town to town as a teacher?

She was with me of course, going with me wherever I went.

You said you were a good-looking teacher, how did you cope with advances from ladies?

I did not look at them. I am a disciplined person and I believed it would lower my prestige as a trained teacher if I became a philanderer. I was known for good principles. Some women didn’t like to be posted to my school. They would say that I did not have special treatment for ladies. And that was true. If you were a pregnant teacher and you came late, I would warn you and tell you that I would not take any action because of your condition. Six months after delivery, such a woman must brace herself or leave. I didn’t accept any nonsense.

How would you compare working with government in the days you were young with the situation now?

Government work was good then. There is nothing good in it now. That’s my view because I believe so much in hard work.

Where did you work as a trained teacher?

I worked at Ido-Ani and Owo. I spent a long time in Owo.

How did you manage to achieve a good balance between your domestic responsibilities and working hard at work?

I’m a man. It is women that cater for children.

But your wife was also a teacher, how did you work out the schedule?

As I said earlier, I warned pregnant and nursing teachers against coming to school late. So, I also warned her against coming late. Though at home, I pitied her a lot because she would go to school and come back with me and then go straight to the kitchen when we got home, while I would be in the sitting room, sometimes dozing off, but she would send for me when the food was ready.