BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – As a form of prevention of the spread of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in the campus environment, ITB Directorate of Facilities and Infrastructure conducted disinfectant spraying since Tuesday (17/3/2020). The spraying activity is executed in the ITB Ganesha campus and ITB Rectorate on Tamansari Street.

Interviewed by ITB Public Relation reporter through online, Duddy Iskandar as the ITB Head of Sub Directorate of Operation and Cleanliness of the Directorate of Facilities and Infrastructure, explained that the main priority is to spray the public facilities that are frequently used by campus communities such as public lecture buildings, West and East Hall, auditoriums,  prayer rooms, toilets, chairs and benches in the park and hallways, office areas, and meeting room. “For the areas that are under the faculty or school’s management, the spraying activity is executed by that faculty or school,” he stated.

He also pointed out that almost every unit, including faculties and schools, had already sprayed their own facilities. It may be considered that this spraying activity is a mass and simultaneous attempt that intended as a mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 in the ITB campus environment.

The preparation phase before the spraying activity was quite simple, which was emptying the rooms and areas that will be sprayed. Because the spraying was executed when the campus has been restrictedly closed, the emptying process became easier. Other than that, the remain activities around the campus must be halt. “The spraying teams must wear a complete Personal Protective Equipment including a mask, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant gloves. Then after the spraying activity was completed, it must wait around 15 minutes for the evaporation of alcohol that stick to the surface,” explained Duddy.

The disinfectant substance used by ITB Directorate of Facilities and Infrastructure is IPA (isopropyl alcohol) with 98% content. The IPA used has been diluted with distilled water up to 71% with a ratio of 3:1 (3 liters of IPA : 1 liter of distilled water). With 70% alcohol content, the disinfectant can eradicate the coronavirus that is attached to the surface of the objects.

Currently, the spraying activity is conducted in stages, so that the entire campus environment is sterile from any virus or pathogenic microorganisms. Ideally, the spraying frequency is 2-3 times a day for any rooms that are actively utilized, especially for the areas or spots that are often touched. “ITB is limitedly closed, so after the spraying, it will be closed and sealed. Before the lecture starts again, it will be sprayed again,” he added. 

Not only ITB Ganesa, but the spraying activity also carried out in ITB Jatinangor. Furthermore, the attempt to mitigate the spreading of the coronavirus is by delivering the lecture through the online system, and also by limiting any joint activities within the campus area. Duddy hopes that the campus community and campus environment are free from the coronavirus. He also clarifies that the Directorate of Facilities and Infrastructure will strive to provide the best service for ITB academicians in order to create a safe, convenient, and healthy activity.

Reporter : Annisa Nur Diana

Translator : Wendy Anastasia Yeoda