We are facing an unprecedented time in the world, where an invisible threat to life has entire nations of people staying in their homes, ordering disinfectant in bulk and keeping us six feet from one another to keep ourselves safe.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now spread to nearly every nation on earth, and in the United States, we have more than 900,000 cases. People feel afraid to leave their homes for fear of contracting the virus, and on the front lines protecting those people are cleaning professionals. Now more than ever, those in the cleaning industry are needed to help sanitize and disinfect essential businesses that remain open, such as hospitals, labs and public transit systems. When the nation begins to normalize again, having them in schools, sports arenas and other areas of high density population will be more critical than ever to keep people healthy.
In April, an organization was formed to advocate for cleaning companies as many felt they were being overlooked and unappreciated in their roles, as they often work behind the scenes. To make sure their needs were being met, the Cleaning Coalition of America was formed.
According to PRNewsWire.com, the coalition is asking Congress for safety provisions for contract cleaning employees, which makes up one million jobs across the nation.
“The Coalition is asking Congress and the Administration to support targeted measures that will help ensure the continuity of business operations and the employment of commercial cleaners:
- Ensure that professional cleaners have priority access to personal protective equipment (PPE), including disinfectants, gloves, masks, hand sanitizers and other materials needed to combat the spread of coronavirus.
- Provide additional funds in the form of grants or tax credits to keep professional cleaners on the payroll so that cleaning companies can get public places cleaned and ready for everyday use before the economy reopens.
- Provide well-defined regulatory guidance and clear oversight around liability for companies and organizations involved in the front-line fight against coronavirus; and
- Expand healthcare coverage for workers to ensure they have access to healthcare and protection from COVID-related illness at no cost to them.”
To learn more about Cleaning Coalition for America, visit their website. To continue to watch the developments on the coalition’s letter to Congress, follow our monthly updated blogs and on social media.
