The Other Unsung Heroes on the Front Lines of COVID-19

Wauwatosa, Wis. – As public attention during the coronavirus pandemic largely focuses on health care professionals treating afflicted patients, another group of dedicated workers quietly toils to keep the public safe from COVID-19 infection.

A positive coronavirus test within an organization requires its workplace to be completely cleaned and sanitized to protect all employees. The cleaning service crews who venture into these buildings wear similar head-to-toe protective gear as health care teams: full body suit, mask, goggles and gloves.

Working largely at night when buildings are empty, these soldiers in the COVID-19 fight go largely unnoticed … yet their efforts play an important role in slowing the spread of coronavirus.

“The COVID-19 crisis has really brought to light the importance of clean workplaces, and the vital work performed by cleaning service employees to keep these spaces safe and sanitary,” said Amy Gottheardt-Muench, owner of Eagle Enterprises, a Wauwatosa-based professional cleaning service. “After a positive coronavirus test, one of the first calls an employer typically makes is to a cleaning company to disinfect the entire work area.”

Eagle Enterprises has experienced a significant rise in urgent calls for service, Gottheardt-Muench said. In addition, many regular customers are cleaning more frequently. The commercial cleaning company services more than 100 locations at least once a week, covering offices, schools, churches and industrial operations.

Enhanced technology achieves a much higher level of disinfection, Gottheardt-Muench said. Touchless electrostatic units ionize chemical particles as they spray, causing the spray to cling to surfaces and create a “wrap.” The protective layer kills not only surface germs, but deeper residual bugs.

Office cleaning teams pay extra attention to “high-touch” surfaces – door handles, light switches, faucets, refrigerators and cabinets, for example – in communal areas, she added.

Similar to other front-line industries battling coronavirus, Eagle Enterprises faced early shortages of protective equipment. Gottheardt-Muench worries about employees being exposed to COVID-19 in situations where a customer is not aware of the virus’s presence, or hasn’t informed her of a positive test. The company has 180 employees, approximately 160 of whom are hands-on commercial cleaners.

“We’ve taken this opportunity to remind our team how valuable they are to public health,” Gottheardt-Muench said. “Commercial cleaning is a vital industry. We hope that the world recognizes the importance of these front-line workers, and appreciates the risks they take every day – especially in times like we’re now experiencing.”

Founded in 1992 by the late Rick Gottheardt, Eagle Enterprises provides professional commercial cleaning services throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Its customers never sign a contract, and enjoy exceptional appearance and unmatched cleanliness in their workplaces. More information is available by calling (414) 431-9600 or visiting www.eagle-clean.com.