HBM Corona Virus Memo #10

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, HBM is taking a proactive approach regarding the safety of our workers and customers. As you are aware, the Novel Coronavirus (2019-n-CorV) outbreak continues to spread.

In an effort to ensure that we all do our part in providing a clean and safe environment, and to prevent the spread of germs, we are working with our properties when requested to provide additional and more frequent sanitization of common surfaces. We will respond and address with industry approved cleaning practices to address concerns of Coronavirus.

We are asking for your assistance to also take the following preventative actions, per the recommendation of The State of Hawaii Department of Health:

• Get your flu shot. Individuals 6 months and older protect themselves against flu by receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination. Currently, it is likely a person with the “flu” will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough to the virus.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after going to the bathroom and blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and working surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. In general, most coronaviruses spread the same way other cold-causing viruses do, via aerosols directly by infected people coughing, sneezing or touching an infected persons hands or face, or indirect contact via touching fomites (like doorknobs, exterior elevator buttons, interior elevator buttons, etc.) then touching your nose, eyes or mouth (which are the conduits of entry into the body). Should you suspect or detect signs of the coronavirus, please contact the local Department of Health, immediately.

Know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing.

• Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
• Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.
• Thank you and stay healthy and safe.