
Most surfaces are free of COVID-19, but not all, according to an investigation conducted by Bakersfield Now.
Broadcast journalist Jeff Platt traveled throughout California’s Kern County swiping surfaces in grocery stores, a post office, a gas station and an airport in search of COVID-19. In all, he tested 25 surfaces using a swab kit from Phylagen’s. According to the company's co-owner, the kit was created to allow any person to test the effectiveness of their safety and cleaning protocols.
The self-check kiosk, armrest, luggage carousel and spots in the men’s restroom were all tested at the area airport, each coming back negative for COVID-19. The PO Boxes and floor at the post office checked out fine, as did the gas station’s pump, pad where the card PIN is placed and touch screen.
More than a dozen surfaces across three grocery stores were tested, with one test coming back with a positive result. Oddly enough, the trouble location was a self-serve bulk bin full of dry beans.
The testing might seem insignificant to some considering the bin of beans represented just 4 percent of the surfaces tested. but it actually proves how important cleaning is right now. Ken Downs, co-owner of Huffman and Downs Maintenance in Bakersfield, California, tells Bakersfield Now that his company only disinfects using products proven to kill COVID-19 because it doesn't want to take any chances.
This isn’t the first time a reporter has used Phylagen’s test to check for COVID-19. Back in August, we shared a report of how NBC News had multiple reporters and producers test various surfaces in New York City, Florida and California.
Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or declined by CleanLink.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of CleanLink.com or its staff. To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines.