Access to safe water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene are foundational infection prevention measures during any infectious disease outbreak. This guideline establishes WASH and waste management requirements for Georgian healthcare facilities, educational institutions, workplaces and community settings during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, aligned with WHO interim WASH guidance.
Healthcare facility WASH requirements
- Hand hygiene stations — functional handwashing stations with soap and single-use towels OR alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR, ≥60% alcohol) at every patient care point, facility entry, toilet and waiting area
- Water supply — continuous access to safe running water; backup systems for uninterrupted supply
- Sanitation — separate toilets for patients and staff; regular cleaning with 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution
- Environmental cleaning — high-touch surfaces cleaned at least twice daily with 0.1% sodium hypochlorite; patient areas cleaned after each patient; dedicated cleaning equipment per zone
- Linen management — soiled linen handled without shaking; machine-washed at 60–90°C; linen from COVID-19 areas managed as infectious waste until laundered
Disinfection concentrations
| Surface/application | Sodium hypochlorite concentration | Contact time |
|---|---|---|
| General environmental surfaces (floors, walls) | 0.1% (1,000 ppm) | Minimum 1 minute |
| Blood or body fluid spills | 0.5% (5,000 ppm) | Minimum 10 minutes |
| Toilets and sanitary facilities | 0.5% (5,000 ppm) | Minimum 5 minutes |
| Medical equipment (non-critical) | 0.1% OR 70% ethanol | Per manufacturer guidance |
Waste management in COVID-19 settings
Georgian original source / ქართული წყარო
WASH COVID-19 Guideline — Georgian Original
In plain language
This guideline sets water, sanitation and hygiene requirements for healthcare and other facilities during COVID-19 — safe water, hand-washing stations, cleaning and disinfection, and safe management of waste.
Key actions checklist
- Ensure reliable safe water and hand-hygiene stations at points of care
- Clean and disinfect surfaces with the correct concentrations
- Manage waste from COVID-19 areas as infectious waste
- Train cleaning and waste staff and provide protective equipment
International guidance
- WHO — IPC during health care when COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed
- WHO/UNICEF JMP — WASH in health care facilities
Questions and answers
Is this guidance still relevant?
Yes. The same WASH principles protect patients and staff against other respiratory and healthcare-associated infections.
Where are disinfection rules?
See Decree N185.