WHEREAS, regular cleaning and disinfection are an investment in human health and safety; and

WHEREAS, according to the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), a worldwide trade association for the cleaning industry, cleaned and disinfected surfaces reduce virus concentration by 41.7% and when combined with hand hygiene, this increases to 85.4%; and

WHEREAS, ISSA research indicates that nearly three in five individuals are more aware of surface cleanliness when they are out in public, and over half say they would be more likely to frequent a business if it provided evidence that their facility has been properly disinfected; and

WHEREAS, cleanliness generates wellness, improves productivity, increases customer satisfaction, preserves resources, and creates opportunities for sustainable, efficient practices; and

WHEREAS, in schools, improved air quality is linked to fewer illness-related absences and better standardized test performance; and 

WHEREAS, cleanliness reduces instances of absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace, which negatively impact productivity—companies lose $8.9 trillion when employees are not fully functioning at work due to illness, injury, or other condition s; and

WHEREAS, manufacturers and distributors produce and deliver crucial cleaning and hygiene products; and

WHEREAS, the cleaning labor industry includes janitors, custodians, and building service contractors who maintain cleanliness and hygiene in commercial, residential, and industrial spaces; and

WHEREAS, essential frontline cleaning professionals work tirelessly to keep our schools, hospitals, workplaces, and other spaces healthy and safe for all; and

WHEREAS, with labor shortages and high turnover impacting the cleaning industry, businesses are recognizing that individuals with disabilities offer a valuable, underutilized, and high-quality labor force; and 

WHEREAS, there is a national effort to celebrate the cleaning industry and to bring attention to the importance of ensuring clean and sanitary conditions at work, school, and home;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize March 23-29, 2025, as VIRGINIA CLEANING WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.