Phone Hygiene Critical in the Fight Against COVID-19

Catalyst encourages phone-washing practices; Reduce the risk of catching coronavirus by regularly disinfecting your phone and electronic devices

Las Vegas, Nevada – (March 19, 2020) – The headlines are staggering and disturbing. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease, can survive in the air and on various surfaces anywhere from three hours to three days. People can be infected by touching contaminated objects then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The solution: clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces - including phones and electronic devices.

According to an independent study by Dscout, the average person touches their phone more than 2,600 times per day and spends extended time on the phone scrolling and checking emails 76 times per day, which creates even greater cause for concern. During a time of heightened awareness and caution, it is especially critical to not only be cognizant of the threat but practice good phone hygiene at all times.

“Doctors and world health experts have stressed repeatedly, washing your hands with soap and water is the best precautionary measure we can take in the global effort to slow the spread of this pandemic,” Catalyst CEO June Lai said. “That practice is also effective in killing the bacteria and viruses that come in contact with your phone thousands of times each day, but iPhones (like most electronic devices including your iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods) cannot be safely treated this way without damage to the device.”

Cleaning a naked phone or device can prove to be challenging. Research recently published in the Journal of Hospital Infection shows coronaviruses can be disinfected in one minute using 6271% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% bleach. However device manufacturers like Apple warn users to avoid getting moisture in any opening, and not to submerge electronic devices in any cleaning agents. AT&T suggests that you can also spray a non-abrasive or alcohol-based (70% isopropyl) disinfectant directly on a soft lint-free cloth and wipe down your device while it is powered down and unplugged. Catalyst waterproof cases are designed to make cleaning and disinfecting devices safe and easy using most of the validated cleaning methods that kill COVID-19 including soap & water, 70% isopropyl alcohol and 62-71% ethanol.

“The concern for our customers is paramount. During this time we’re all taking every precaution we can to stay safe, healthy and disrupt the spread of COVID-19. No matter which methods you choose, we want you to know there are solutions to help ensure effective phone hygiene, especially during this time. Airtight cases that provide fully enclosed, 360° protection like the Catalyst waterproof cases for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch and iPad provide an easy, safe way to keep your device clean.” Lai added. 

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