Norovirus, a highly contagious virus known for causing outbreaks in schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities, is spreading rapidly across the U.S. According to the CDC, reported norovirus outbreaks nearly doubled between August 2024 and mid-January 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
This resilient virus can survive on surfaces for days, making strict hygiene and cleaning protocols critical to minimizing its spread. As a facility manager, here’s how you can keep your building safe and support the health of your employees, customers, and visitors.
Proper Handwashing Is Non-Negotiable
Handwashing is the first line of defense against norovirus. Encourage everyone in your facility to follow these steps:
Use warm water and soap. Antibacterial soap isn’t necessary.
Scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, including backs of hands, under nails, and between fingers.
Wash hands after key activities, like eating, using the restroom, or cleaning.
Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.
Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.
Remind your team that hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus, making soap and water the preferred method for protection.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
Norovirus’ ability to linger on surfaces for days makes choosing effective cleaning products vital. General-purpose cleaners alone are not sufficient—they may remove dirt but won’t kill the virus. EPA-registered disinfectants are specifically designed to combat norovirus. KBS can guide you in selecting the most effective disinfectants for your facility’s needs.
You also always need to follow product labels for proper dilution and dwell time, also known as the time a disinfectant must stay wet on a surface to kill pathogens.
Focus on Cleaning High-Touch Surfaces
Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces is crucial to preventing norovirus transmission. Key areas to target include:
Shared spaces: Doorknobs, light switches, handrails, phones, and keyboards.
Restrooms: Faucets, toilet flush handles, and sinks.
Common areas: Coffee machines, microwaves, cabinet handles, and break room tables.
High-traffic zones are hotspots for germs, and proactive disinfection in these areas helps keep everyone safe.
Safely Manage Contaminated Areas and Laundry
Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and laundry, making prompt and thorough cleaning essential when someone becomes ill. To protect yourself during cleanup, always wear disposable gloves and a mask. Start by removing as much waste as possible with paper towels, then clean the area with soap and water before applying an EPA-approved disinfectant.
Proper disposal of contaminated materials is critical. For example, as a best practice, KBS recommends placing all waste in a sealed plastic bag to prevent further contamination and safely remove it from the facility. When dealing with soiled clothing, linens, or towels, wash them immediately using hot water and detergent, and dry them thoroughly at high heat to kill any lingering virus. Avoid shaking laundry items to prevent virus particles from spreading through the air.
Educate Your Team
A well-informed team is your greatest asset in combating norovirus. Regular training on proper hand hygiene and cleaning protocols ensures that everyone understands their role in maintaining a healthy environment. KBS can help streamline this process by providing world-class training and expertise needed to improve infection control.
Partner with KBS
Managing a norovirus outbreak requires consistent execution, specialized knowledge, and the right resources. By outsourcing to KBS, you gain access to expert cleaning professionals trained in infection prevention protocols. Our team implements tailored cleaning schedules that prioritize high-traffic and high-touch areas, ensuring effective disinfection and reducing the risk of virus transmission.
We also ensure compliance with CDC, EPA, and OSHA standards, using professional-grade products and equipment specifically designed to eliminate norovirus. With proven processes, specialized tools, and dedicated personnel, KBS helps you maintain a safe and clean environment—giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your business.
Norovirus is resilient, but with the right hygiene practices and expert support, you can limit its spread. Contact KBS today to learn how we can help your facility stay healthy and safe.
Iris Verdi brings over 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare, specializing in team building, program expansion, and exceptional service delivery for large healthcare systems. She is recognized for her expertise in Joint Commission readiness, sustainable practices, infection control, and her ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets and contracts.
