Editor’s note: We have made this story free to read in hopes that you will see firsthand our dedication to keeping our community informed and connected. Will you consider now? For just $1 a week, you will support non-editorial local news and be up to date on what’s happening in the community. Consider reading more by clicking here.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Products appearing on EPA’s list registered disinfectant products have qualified for use against COVID-19 through the agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program.
The program allows product manufacturers to provide EPA with data, even in advance of an outbreak, that shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses than SARS-CoV-2, according to a news release from the EPA.
It also allows additional communications intended to inform the public about the utility of these products against the emerging pathogen in the most expeditious manner.
“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product, according to the EPA.
Consumers using these disinfectants on an enveloped emerging virus should follow the directions for use on the product’s master label, paying close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface (i.e., how long the disinfectant should remain on the surface).
Coronavirus scams
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring is urging Virginians to be wary of any coronavirus related scams. Scams could include selling products that purport to prevent the coronavirus, spreading misinformation, or pretending to solicit donations for victims of the disease.
Here are some tips and ways to protect yourself from coronavirus scams:
- Look out for emails that claim to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or experts saying that they have information about the coronavirus. For the most updated information you can visit the CDC and the World Health Organization.
- Do not click on any links from unknown sources. This could lead to downloading a virus on your computer or phone.
- Ignore any offers, online or otherwise, for a coronavirus vaccine. If you see any advertisements for prevention, treatment or cures ask the question: if there had been a cure for the disease would you be hearing about that through an advertisement or sales pitch?
- Thoroughly research any organizations or charities purporting to be raising funds for victims of the coronavirus.
- Look out for “investment opportunities” surrounding the coronavirus. According to the S. Securities and Exchange Commission there are online promotions claiming the products or services of certain publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure the disease and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase because of that.
Virginians who have a question or concerns should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section:
- By phone: 800-552-9963
- By email: consumer@oag.state.va.us
- Online Complaint Form
- Online Contact Form
RELATED STORIES:
- Coronavirus: Here’s how local health care systems report possible cases; area stores out of masks, sanitizers (Free read)
- Here’s a Q&A with a virologist about coronavirus
- Five things you need to know: Coronavirus
- Should locals worry about the coronavirus? Here are the precautions being taken in the area
