Cleaning Surfaces in the Travel Industry

Cleaning a surface where an ill passenger had been seated.

Here are some guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control for group tours. The guidance and precautions are solid information and can help the travel industry reduce the risks to all their passengers.

Should a passenger become ill and leave the motorcoach to be treated, CDC advises that the following surfaces should be cleaned at the seat of the ill passenger (or driver) and at adjacent seats in the same row, the backs of the seats in the row in front of the sick passenger’s row or areas that the traveler frequented. Clean surfaces first with detergent and water and then disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant for use against influenza viruses. Ensure there is sufficient contact time between the disinfectant and the surface. (Dwell time is HUGE. Most disinfectants are completely worthless if they are not left on the surface long enough to dry.)

Be sure to clean the following surfaces:

Armrests
Seatbacks (the plastic and/or metal part)
Tray tables
Personal lights and climate controls
Adjacent windows
Individual video monitor
Lavatory(ies) used by the sick traveler: door handle, locking device, toilet seat, faucet, washbasin, adjacent walls and counter
Luggage compartments
Door handles

When cleaning, be sure to:

1. Wear non-sterile, disposable gloves that are recommended by the manufacturer of the detergent/disinfectant while cleaning the seating area and lavatories or handling cleaning and disinfecting solutions.  Never wash or reuse the gloves.
2. Dispose of gloves if they become damaged or soiled and, when cleaning is completed, place them in a leak proof (e.g., plastic) bag securely tied shut.
3. Wear eye protection, such as a face shield or goggles, if splashing is expected.
4. When cleaning is completed and gloves have been removed, immediately clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel if no soap and water are available. Wash hands with soap and water as soon as they become available. Avoid touching the face with gloved or unwashed hands.

Cleaning frequency & disposal

A change to increased frequency of routine cleaning and disinfection practices may be considered based upon the circumstances of the pandemic.

State and local governments should be consulted for appropriate disposal decisions.

Barring specific state solid or medical waste regulations to the contrary, these wastes are considered routine solid wastes that can be sent to municipal solid waste landfills without treatment.