The First Experience of Decontamination Operational Groups in Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19 in Moscow and Moscow Region

In relation to the challenging epidemic situation in Russia caused by the spread of novel coronavirus infection, specialists from the Russian NBC Protection Troops were involved in the disinfection of different facilities and equipment in all regions of the country. The aim of this article was to summarize the experience of mobile Decontamination Operational Groups (DOGs) of the NBC Protection Troops in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in Moscow and Moscow Region. The mobile DOGs for this region were formed on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Establishment «27 Scientific Centre» of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. This center possessed vast experience in performing special tasks for ensuring radiation, chemical and biological safety of different objects. The DOGs were formed from highly qualified professionals with relevant experience in scientific research studies in radiation, chemical and biological protection issues. During the period March 30 to June 28, 2020, the mobile DOGs have performed cleaning and disinfection procedures for different objects at more than 120 addresses in Moscow City and Moscow Region. Thus, they have decontaminated 550 thousand sq. m of surfaces, 13491 units of automotive equipment, 67 passenger cars for personnel, 18 IL-76 aircrafts of the Russian Aerospace Forces and supportive machinery. Nevertheless, the experience of DOGs in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in Moscow and Moscow Region demonstrated the need to improve the NBC protections means and disinfectant solutions. In general, the disinfection measures organized and carried out by the mobile DOGs have demonstrated high efficiency. There have not been a single case of COVID-19 among DOGs personnel throughout the entire period of performing cleaning and disinfection tasks in epidemic foci.

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