Today is International Cleaners’ Day and, in the year 2020, the role that cleaners play in keeping our schools, public buildings, hospitals, retail outlets, businesses and homes hygienic and safe has never been more important.
The work of cleaners goes on every day of every year and is sometimes taken for granted - a fact that Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison today hopes to change by praising the essential work that is done by those who roll up their sleeves without fanfare and with little recognition.
“In recent months our community has waged war against the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Aitchison said.
“In every public health announcement or news bulletin, the importance of hand hygiene, social distancing and the regular disinfection of hard surfaces has been paramount.
“We’re reassured that cleaning regimes are being undertaken with diligence and greater regularity to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and when there is a known outbreak it is our cleaners who are sent to the front line to reclaim the space and make it once again safe.”
Ms Aitchison recently visited cleaning staff at Maitland Hospital to thank them for the important contributions they make every day, and acknowledge their extraordinary efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The cleaners at Maitland Hospital keep staff and patients alike safe from the spread of infectious diseases every day,” Ms Aitchison said.
“They clean rooms, beds and other areas to ensure these spaces are safe despite the sometimes insidious and contagious agents that may be left behind by the ill.
“It is so important that we acknowledge the work done by cleaners throughout every facet of our lives to ensure sanitation and prevent outbreaks of infection. There is no greater protection for our community.”
Ms Aitchison calls upon the Maitland community to thank a cleaner, let them know their hard work is appreciated, and ask them to stay safe as NSW works to halt the march of COVID-19.
“Until a vaccination for Novel Coronavirus is discovered and administered to our population, our cleaners will remain one of our most important agents in the face of the looming threat of contagion and infection,” Ms Aitchison said.
