White House to be deep-cleaned before Biden takes office over Covid fears

Positive coronavirus cases have continued to plague people surrounding the president

The White House is going to be deep-cleaned before President-elect Joe Biden moves in following his inauguration over coronavirus fears, according to reports.

This year, the executive mansion will receive a deeper, more thorough cleaning on 20 January after Donald Trump packs his bags, a White House official reportedly told CNN.

The White House usually undergoes an extensive clean on Inauguration Day in the turnover between presidents, but particular care will reportedly be taken after Mr Trump leaves.

While there are not yet "firm plans" for the cleaning process, the General Services Administration will fulfill a "thorough disinfecting and cleansing" of every surface in the palace, the broadcaster said.

According to a report by POLITICO, a private contractor will provide “disinfectant misting services” to remove any lingering droplets, through which the disease spreads.

Rugs and window treatments will also face a deep-clean if they are kept, the official told CNN, and workers will "thoroughly clean and disinfect" all furniture, doorknobs, handrails, and light switches, POLITICO said.

The official told CNN the house will be deep-cleaned and likely sprayed "in the same manner as the West Wing and the rest of the White House has been since Covid regulations and guidelines were implemented months ago.”

One way or another, cleaners will have a mammoth job on their hands to disinfect 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the residence along with its 412 doors and 147 windows before Mr Biden moves in.

Positive coronavirus cases have continued to plague people surrounding the president and the current administration in recent months, leading to the infection of the president himself in October.

Most recently, Rudy Giuliani, the president’s lawyer and key campaign surrogate, tested positive for the disease and was hospitalised in Washington DC.

Mr Trump and Mr Biden have adopted markedly different approaches to their public appearances towards the virus since it gripped the country in March and during their election campaigns.

While the president continued to hold large rallies to drum up support ahead of polling day, Mr Biden favoured scaled back gatherings that adhere to recommended guidelines.

The president-elect has also strictly modeled public health guidelines with mask-wearing and social distancing while Mr Trump has largely spurned the use of masks in public.

Mr Biden announced on Tuesday that he will sign a federal mask mandate on day one of his administration asking everyone for the first 100 days of my administration to wear a mask.

“I'm absolutely convinced that in 100 days we can change the course of the disease and change life in America for the better,” Mr Biden said.

"My first 100 days, I'm going to ask for a masking plan. Everyone for the first 100 days of my administration to wear a mask."