Combating the Fear of Infection in the Built Environment: The Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) Experience during Corona Virus Pandemic

Abstract

Following a realization that staff and students in a Ghanaian public university were fearful of getting infected with COVID-19 due to their mistrust of the cleanliness of the campus environment, this study examined the built infrastructure cleaning and disinfection strategies adopted by the university during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the role played by the Facilities Manager in ensuring adherence to standard cleaning and disinfection practices. The objective was thus two-fold: first, to provide comprehensive information to all the University's stakeholders regarding the state of cleanliness of the campus environment, and secondly, to identify any possible lapses and make recommendations for improvement. The study adopted a direct observation approach to collect and analyse data, which revealed that deep cleaning approaches were adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic era. It is an extremely comprehensive cleaning exercise beyond basic cleaning, with detailed importance, and focuses on forgotten corners where dirt and dust hide. The study also revealed that the University's facility manager lacked a pre-disinfection plan, disinfection plan, and post-disinfection plan, all required to ensure adherence to standard cleaning and disinfection practices. The study thus recommends implementing some strategies and interventions to ensure the sustenance of a clean environment in the University and allay peoples' fear of contracting COVID-19 and other infections while using the University's facilities.