SARS-CoV-2 decontamination of skin with disinfectants active during and after application.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic results in high levels of exposure of medical workers to virus; hand decontamination is one of the recommended actions to reduce the risk of infection. Aims Two disinfectants, BIAKŌS™ Antimicrobial Skin & Wound Cleanser (AWC) and AWC2 (Sanara MedTech, Fort Worth, TX, USA) were tested to determine whether they can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 upon contact or as a coating applied before contact with the virus. Methods The disinfectants were tested in liquid or dried form on plastic surfaces or porcine skin for their ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Findings AWC and AWC2 were effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infectious titers in both liquid form during the application, and in dried form, 4 h after the application. Virus on skin was reduced up to 2 log10-fold and 3.5 log10-fold after treatment with AWC or AWC2, respectively. Conclusion Application of AWC and AWC2 to skin reduces SARS-CoV-2 levels and the risk of infection.