Dear Howard University Community,

As the situation around COVID-19 evolves, Physical Facilities Management (PFM) continues taking steps to maintain a clean and safe campus environment.

In addition to the routine daily cleaning and extensive overnight disinfecting work all across campus, these efforts have been further stepped up to mitigate the risks of any potential spread of the novel coronavirus. As a precaution, PFM and Thompson Facilities Services will be adding another cleaning/disinfecting process to its facilities sanitation and disinfection procedures during the spring break. To help combat COVID-19 and keep the campus healthy, the University has invested significantly in new disinfecting electrostatic sprayers.

The innovative disinfecting electrostatic sprayers use a mist that kills harmful germs on contact and is proven effective. This layer of deep disinfecting is meant to not only kill germs on commonly used and contacted surfaces but reach spots that mops, rags and other cleaning materials cannot.

The electrostatic sprayers, which contain a respiratory illness-fighting mist, will be discharged in public spaces where many people gather and high-traffic areas in buildings across campus. Although the mist poses no harm to humans, the effectiveness of the process is dependent upon collective preparation and reducing the campus population during the break, lessening the chances for contamination. We ask that faculty and staff store equipment and supplies that can be stored and unplug your computers and other electronic devices before you leave campus for the break.

We continue to recommend that all departments obtain single-use disinfectant wipes for human touchpoints within your workspaces such as keyboards, public counters, credit card readers, phones, and shared surfaces and items. As a reminder, everyone should wash your hands frequently, and use paper towels to turn off faucets and open doors.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work diligently to maintain a healthy campus environment.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Physical Facilities Management (PFM)