Updated As of 02.11.2022
It’s hard to believe we’re now two years into the COVID-19 Pandemic. Like so many around the world, we’re doing our best to protect our families and communities, stay up to date on the latest CDC guidance—and practice self-care during a time of extraordinary stress.
From the moment COVID-19 first appeared, Seventh Generation has believed in following and sharing the guidance of experts in human health and disease prevention on how to understand COVID-19 and what each of us can do to reduce the spread and help end the Pandemic.
Though you’ve heard all about COVID-19 many times over, it’s helpful to keep trustworthy resources close at hand, especially as new variants of the virus arise. There’s a lot of static out there, and it’s important to stay grounded in the facts. We’ve rounded up a list of useful resources from credible organizations to help you make the most informed decisions to care for yourself and your family.
- What is the novel coronavirus?
- How does it spread?
- What are the symptoms?
- Seventh Generation Disinfectants and the EPA’s List N
- Coronavirus Resources
- Cleaning and Surface Disinfection
- Hand Hygiene with Non-Antimicrobial Soap
What is the novel coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. Several can infect people. Coronaviruses cause illness ranging from milder respiratory infections, such as the common cold, to rarer more severe respiratory diseases, like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).
In January 2020, after an outbreak in China in December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified a new type of coronavirus, initially referred to as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which can have more severe consequences. Since then, the virus has been officially named SARS-CoV-2, and the WHO named the disease it causes COVID-19.
How does it spread?
According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus spreads mainly from person-to-person:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in your mouth or nose or can possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
What are the symptoms?
According to the CDC, illnesses range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases, with symptoms including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. The CDC advises that if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, you should take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community. If you develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Protecting Yourself & Limiting the Spread
Vaccinations: The CDC recommends [1] that everyone ages 5 and up should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can, and we’re glad to see so many are doing their part and getting vaccinated. As of January 18th, 2022, more than 529 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been given in the U.S. The vaccines are safe, effective, and help reduce your risk of severe illness [2]. Further, vaccination helps reduce the spread of COVID-19, and helps reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe illness.
Since studies show that vaccine effectiveness can decline over time, the CDC recommends getting a COVID-19 booster shot, now available to everyone 12 and older [3].
Masks: The CDC continues to advise wearing a mask, especially when you’re indoors or in an environment with a higher risk of transmission, regardless of your vaccination status [4].
Testing: There are two types of tests you can use to tell if you’re currently infected with COVID-19: antigen tests (self tests) and PCR tests. While PCR tests need to be administered outside the home, self-tests for rapid results that can help you make informed decisions to protect yourself and others. You can get free at-home COVID-19 tests from through the US Postal Service. Follow the CDC’s testing resources to find out where to get tested.
If You Test Positive
If you receive a positive COVID-19 result, the CDC recommends staying home or isolating for five days, wearing a mask when you’re around others, and calling your health care provider. It’s also recommended to check in with local resources in your area for current guidance and best practices.
Cleaning Your Home Against COVID-19
For extra peace of mind and germ prevention during the Pandemic, many families are cleaning and disinfecting their spaces more frequently. We’ve put together some cleaning tips we hope you’ll find helpful. Additionally, to help you make informed choices, the EPA has created a List of Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (cause of COVID-19)—List N is continuously updated so check back for updated information.
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Cleaners, Wipes and Sprays with CleanWell® INSIDE as well as our Fragrance Free Disinfecting Cleaner with Hydrogen Peroxide are EPA registered broad spectrum disinfectants which have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to the 2019 novel coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, on hard, nonporous surfaces. See below.
In accordance with the U.S. EPA List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, the following Seventh Generation disinfecting products can be used against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, following the use directions on the product label.
Seventh Generation Disinfectants
| UPC | Product Description | EPA Registration Number | California Registration Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732913228102 | Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner Lemongrass Citrus Scent | 84683-3-86066 | 84683-3-ZA-86066 |
| 732913228119 | Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner Lemongrass Citrus Scent | 84683-3-86066 | 84683-3-AA-86066 |
| 732913228126 732913228133 | Disinfecting Wipes Lemongrass Citrus Scent | 84683-4-86066 | 84683-4-AA-86066 |
| 732913229802 | Disinfectant Spray Fresh Citrus & Thyme Scent | 84683-3-86066 | 84683-3-ZB-86066 |
| 732913229819 | Disinfectant Spray Eucalyptus Spearmint & Thyme Scent | 84683-3-86066 | 84683-3-ZB-86066 |
| 732913450442 | Disinfecting Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Fragrance Free | 85837-5-86066 | 85837-5-AA-86066 |
You can navigate the EPA’s list by searching for the first part of the EPA Registration Numbers (84683-3, 84683-4, 85837-4).
We hope these resources and tips are helpful as you continue to do your part to protect yourself and your family. We’re proud to be able to share reliable, science-based information. Please find more resources below.
Coronavirus Resources
- US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- World Health Organization Coronavirus
- U.S. EPA Coronavirus
- U.S. EPA Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance for Disinfectants
- U.S. EPA List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
Cleaning and Surface Disinfection
- EPA Activates Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance
- Cleaning for Health 101
- Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting, a Curriculum for Early Care and Education
Hand Hygiene with Non-Antimicrobial Soap
- CDC – Handwashing - Keeping Hands Clean
- CDC – Handwashing - Show me the Science
- CDC – Handwashing – Clean Hands Saves Lives
- Scrub Club
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/work.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0105-Booster-Shot.html
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html