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Dean Difference – Health

Dean is more than just a transportation company. Dean strives to make a difference in our communities and the world through inclusivity, environmentally sustainable practices, innovation technology, top-notch training and community partnerships and involvement.

Adapting to an Evolving Health Crisis

COVID-19 is an evolving health pandemic. The response to the pandemic and tactics implemented may change as new information becomes available. We are continually monitoring the latest updates and most current information from health department officials while partnering with industry, local, state and federal officials to identify best practices for transportation. Dean works with various partners and public entities throughout the state of Michigan. Each school board or local government may develop its own requirements, under guidance from local health departments and officials. For specific protocols in your local school district, please contact our local office.

MicrobeCare

MicrobeCare™ is an antimicrobial with unique bonding technology that is long-lasting and effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and yeast. It is registered with the FDA and EPA as a safe and effective antimicrobial that helps reduce cross contamination of dangerous microorganisms on surfaces to which it is applied.

This product has been shown to eliminate >99.99% of microorganisms on surfaces quickly. By continually combating and neutralizing microbial threats before they have an opportunity to grow and spread, the protection of MicrobeCare™ persists even in between cleanings and disinfection.  The antimicrobial is be applied by experienced application specialists using state-of-the-art electrostatic sprayers to ensure complete and total coverage of all surfaces.

Dean has taken this extra step to show our continued commitment to help protect our community as we all work together to return to school safely.

Doing Our Part to Suppress COVID-19

Personal Protection Equipment - PPE

Protective Equipment

All Dean staff have access to PPE including gloves, masks and face shields. Dean staff are trained in the proper application and wearing of PPE. 

EPA Approved Chemicals

EPA Approved Disinfectants

Dean has developed a prescribed cleaning method, specific to commercial motor vehicles, utilizing EPA approved and CDC recommended cleaning agents.

Hand Sanitizer bottle

Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer is positioned at the front of each Dean Passenger Vehicle. We encourage all passengers and students to utilize hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the vehicle.

COVID-19 Response Coordinator

Dean has appointed a COVID-19 response coordinator and established a supply chain system to supply protective equipment, cleaning agents, and hand sanitizer to all Dean locations throughout Michigan

Vehicle Windows or Vent open icon

Open Vehicle Windows

Conditions and vehicle type permitting, Dean encourages passengers and students to open windows and or vehicle vents to increase natural air flow in all vehicles. 

A Prescribed Method for Cleaning School Buses

Since the statewide school shut down in March 2020, Dean has spent hundreds of hours researching, testing and evaluating methods of cleaning and disinfecting as well as disinfectants. Throughout the process, Dean has developed relationships with subject matter experts who have been able to advise on proper cleaning and disinfecting methods as well as the pros and cons of various disinfectants that are available in the market. 

The result of this intense process is a three-level cleaning and disinfecting approach. This approach focuses on frequently touched surfaces; preventive cleaning and disinfection of the entire passenger compartment; and, when necessary, specialized cleaning and disinfection after a confirmed case of COVID-19. For every level of cleaning and disinfection, only disinfectants that are listed on the EPA’s List N are authorized for use. Disinfectants on List N have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2 through the agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program. The EPA expects the products on List N to kill SARS-CoV-2 because they:

  • Demonstrate efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19);
  • Demonstrate efficacy against a virus that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); or
  • Demonstrate efficacy against another type of human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).