[Disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic: a challenge]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Regulatory Affairs
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for disinfectants in Germany.
• Ensuring an adequate supply for both medical and public use necessitated regulatory adjustments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the temporary legal regulations implemented for disinfectant supply.
• To outline measures for hygienic hand and surface disinfection during the pandemic.
• To leverage pandemic experiences for future preparedness.

Main Methods:

• Review of general rulings by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA).
• Analysis of measures for hygienic hand disinfection.
• Consideration of surface disinfection applications for respiratory diseases.

Main Results:

• Temporary regulations successfully addressed the increased demand for disinfectants.
• Specific guidelines were issued to ensure product availability and safety.
• The focus included critical areas like hand hygiene and surface disinfection.

Conclusions:

• The regulatory response was crucial in managing disinfectant supply during the pandemic.
• Experiences gained should inform strategies for future pandemic preparedness.
• Effective and safe disinfectant use is vital for public health during epidemics.