Compositions and methods of using the composition to treat substrates in need of a coating compositing to provide protection against COVID-19, unraveling their protein membranes including the SARSr-CoV family of viruses. The coating composition includes at least one quaternary ammonium salt or derivative of such compound and a sol-gel system that is derived from least one base compound, at least one bonding agent, and at least one plasticizer. The coating composition is hydrophobic and is suitable for treating/coating porous substrates, functionalizing porous plastics, layering on tarpaulin, or coating/functionalizing synthetic/organic fibers such as those used in manufacturing fabric, linens, garments, and mask.