COVID-19, Antibacterial Paint and Planning Ahead for Painting in Austin, TX
This blog post is to update the public of Austin, TX, about COVID-19 and its effect on you and your plans for painting your home or office space. Brush & Color Painting is considered an essential business in the construction industry, which means we are able to work under strict safety guidelines, and we want to inform you that we are taking all precautions to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy work environment.
Brush & Color Painting takes the health and safety of our employees and clients very seriously. With the spread of the coronavirus or “COVID-19,” a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we as a whole must remain vigilant in mitigating the outbreak. This is particularly true for the construction industry, which has been deemed “essential” during this Declared National Emergency. In order to be safe and maintain operations, we have developed a COVID-19 Exposure Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Plan to be implemented throughout Brush & Color and at all of our job sites. We are also on consistent monitoring of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) guidance on the virus.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, likely evolved from a virus previously found in animals. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), Chinese authorities identified an outbreak caused by a novel—or new—coronavirus. The virus can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. The outbreak began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and has spread to a growing number of other countries—including the United States.
How is COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19, like other viruses, can spread between people. Infected people can spread COVID-19 through their respiratory secretions, especially when they cough or sneeze. According to the CDC, spread from person-to-person is most likely among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, like how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is currently unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
What can we do to prevent and slow the spread?
Social Distancing is the best known way to prevent and/or slow the spread of COVID-19. Staying in your home as much as possible, only leaving for essential purposes, such as groceries, toilet paper, medicine, and other necessary items. Keep a 6ft distance from other people when in public places. Wearing protective gloves and masks (N95) are other protective measures should also be taken when out for essentials.
Other preventatives strategies would be to
- frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Follow appropriate respiratory etiquette, which includes covering for coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Brush & Color Painting is taking all of the above measures and when on the job site, we are limited to 2 person teams, maintaining a 6 foot distance at all times. We are implementing paid sick leave for anyone infected.
What to do if you had painting plans in Austin, TX
If you are planning a painting project in the near future, worry not! You can book a virtual estimate, just as if you were booking a normal estimate at brushandcolor.com. For location, just put “virtual” or “online”. From there, we will practice social distancing during production. This is a great time to book your exterior paint projects, or if you have an office or commercial space that is currently empty due to the Safe at Home Order, it’s a great time to do any necessary painting to prevent future spread of bacteria. Exterior Paint jobs in Austin, TX require no human contact. Nor does any commercial project at your office space while working from home.
Antibacterial Paint & Air Pure Paints
From here, there are preventative measures to take to slow down the spread of bacterias and illness in your home or commercial space. There is antibacterial paint that has been proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria, including Staph and E. Coli. This is a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, common areas, kids’ rooms, office spaces and other high traffic areas. Prevent the spread of germs, to keep a healthy environment! This paint has not been tested to kill viruses, but killing bacteria is a step in the right direction.
ECOS Paints also offers an Air Purification Paint that is proven to remove air pollutants in your space, providing a healthy breathing environment for your family or coworkers.
Another option would be to choose a paint that is durable, washable and mold resistant. This too will enable you to clean the painted surfaces with antibacterial and antiviral agents, to prevent the spread of disease.
Booking a Virtual Estimate
To book a virtual estimate, click the “Book an Estimate” tab on the menu, or here, and fill out the form with the time that works best for you. In the “location” tab, just type “virtual” and I will send you a zoom invite, or we can use FaceTime, if that is what you prefer. I look forward to working with you.
Stay safe,
Nick Painter
512-947-0594