The company that carries out deep cleans while schools, doctors surgeries and offices remain closed is based in Maidstone.

Ideal Response has a team of emergency specialists that fumigate and disinfect buildings which could have links to the coronavirus.

Operations Manager Adam Bourgeois says the outbreak of Covid-19 has doubled its workload.

“We have already experienced an increase in the amount of enquiries we're receiving. These are coming from varying industries from schools, offices, doctors' practices, governmental buildings, supermarkets, cruise ships and other forms of public transport.”

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kent is 12.

“We are used to responding to all manner of infections like MRSA, HIV and Hepatitis but coronavirus is the most recent epidemic. Our protocols and processes remain the same regardless of the infection.

Adam and the team are trained to use specialist equipment that sprays mist into a room and decontaminates the surfaces.

“This delivery method allows us to fully cover an entire room in an extremely short amount of time.

“The mist is able to suppress airborne viruses micro-organisms and reduce the risk of inhaling potentially harmful substances.

“Our staff wear the correct personal protective equipment for all infection control cleaning. This includes full face masks, sealed haz-mat suits, wellies and gloves.”

As well as the mist, Adam says it's important to pay particular attention to a rooms ‘touch points’.

“These are extremely important as they are a key transmission pathway for infection.

"Touch points include doors, light switches, computer mice, phones, keyboards and cupboard handles. They’re the surfaces that get extra attention.

"The chemicals we use allow us to eliminate 99.99999% of bacteria, viruses, moulds, biofilms and biological hazards in rapid time. In comparison, a domestic disinfectant can eliminate up to 99.9%. A big difference in the chemicals disinfectant capabilities.”

The company on Crismill Lane has even had to hire more staff to meet the demand.

“We have had to invest in taking on more technicians to contend with a high workload. All new employees have to complete our strict training programme before undertaking the specialist work we do.”

Ideal Response started as a domestic cleaning company but now deals with a whole host of other issues.

“We also work on fire and flood restoration, mould remediation and emergency services for oil and chemical spills. Regardless of the current coronavirus epidemic; Accidents still happen and here at Ideal Response we have to ensure we are available to assist.”

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