ISSA Spotless Spaces Competition

Voting is now officially open for the prestigious ISSA Spotless Spaces competition, powered by Tork, the renowned Essity brand. This event recognizes outstanding achievements in the realm of sustainable hygiene management, spotlighting those who maintain safe, clean, and welcoming environments across various facilities worldwide.

Nominations for this coveted award were accepted from ISSA members globally, showcasing their dedication to cleanliness, accessibility, and facility excellence. An expert internal committee meticulously reviewed the submissions and selected top finalists from both the U.S. and international nominees. Now, it's up to you, the industry professionals, to vote for the winners who exemplify the highest standards of cleanliness and innovation.

Each vote is crucial in recognizing individuals and teams that go above and beyond in creating pristine spaces—whether it's a spotless office, a well-maintained public area, or pioneering cleaning techniques that set new standards in the industry.

In addition to the main winners, Tork will also present the Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award to an outstanding entrant demonstrating remarkable innovation in sustainability and accessibility. The winners will be declared on March 26 in celebration of International Cleaning Week, so be sure to cast your vote before the deadline on March 22!

Vote Now and Make a Difference!

Current State of Pandemic Preparedness

In other important news, the current state of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR) has raised eyebrows as CNN reports it has now been reduced to a single staff member. Established by Congress in 2022, OPPR was originally tasked with orchestrating the U.S. response to potential pandemics like bird flu. However, recent political shifts have altered its staffing and operational focus.

Under the previous administration, OPPR directed efforts towards infection surveillance and ensuring animal health as part of its bird flu strategy. Despite these efforts, the new administration has opted for a different approach, focusing on reducing egg prices rather than prioritizing public health measures. The USDA has decided to invest $500 million in biosecurity initiatives to keep the bird flu virus at bay in poultry farms.

Currently, there is heightened concern regarding avian influenza. Recently, the USDA confirmed the first outbreak of the H7N9 strain on a poultry farm in Mississippi since 2017. Health officials have acted swiftly to quarantine the affected site and depopulate the infected birds to prevent further spread. The last reported case of human infection with the H7N9 virus was in 2019, indicating a serious concern regarding both human and animal health.

Awareness About Viral Threats

As we navigate these times, awareness about potential viral threats is critical. The World Health Organization (WHO) details the alarming history of H7N9, with 1,568 laboratory-confirmed infections reported globally since 2013, of which 616 have been fatal. Most cases among humans have involved close contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance against zoonotic diseases.

Stay informed, engage with the ongoing voting for the ISSA Spotless Spaces competition, and protect public health as we collectively hope for a healthier future!