09 Jun 2020

 In support of the government’s effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, iClean Company has developed an educational-fun programme that highlights the need for proper hand washing.

“We are a company that specialises in cleaning and we have developed a visual programme to explain how the virus is spread, with the aim of highlighting the need for proper hand washing, especially at this crucial time of COVID-19,”  said company director Mr Mpho Loeto.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with a Southern District Council delegation, Mr Loeto indicated that the company planned to donate 100 training packages to the council as well as and facilitate training.

“This programme is designed for students and staff or any other person, as we are all susceptible to the virus. We use ultraviolet (uv) technology to improve their personal and environmental hygiene,” he said.

Mr Loeto said demonstrations could be tailored for any age group, from pre-school to senior.

He explained that classes were conducted onsite, at own location adding that it was a practical course.

Mr Loeto said since there was a danger of people becoming complacent with hand washing, the programme would help them visualise and hence take it more seriously.

“This Educa-fun programme was developed by iClean directors who are both certified biomedical scientists to emphasise the need for proper, regular hand washing,” he said.

Mr Loeto further said the programme provided a stark, visual reminder of the dangers of poor hand hygiene.

“Even after the coronavirus challenge has passed, understanding how germs are spread and how to protect ourselves from colds, flu, gastro bugs and food poisoning will be of tremendous benefit,” he said.

He noted that through demonstration, participants were shown contamination under special uv light box, followed by washing of hands as they usually did, after which they again placed their hands under the uv light, which would show them all the spots they missed.

“This drives the point about the importance of time and technique, when it comes to washing hands in an effort to really remove germs,” he said.

The process, he said, indicated instances in which bacteria or other micro-organisms were unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another with harmful effects.

“Our programme helps one visualise germs in appliances and reinforces the need to sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue. It reinforces the 20 seconds hand wash and prompts an urge to regularly keep a one to two metres of social distancing,” he said.

In his remarks, the chairperson Mr Thabiso Chabalala said the council management was humbled to have been identified by the company for assistance.

He however advised the company to adhere to all health protocols by ensuring that  its  products were accredited and met Botswana Bureau of Standards quality levels..

“We appreciate your determination to provide such service to our community, as we continue to engage in the public mission of promoting hand washing aimed at combating coronavirus,” he said.  

He noted that the programme could be rolled out to the public as soon as it had passed set standards. Ends