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New mutant COVID strain: How safe are our air conditioning and ventilation systems?

Announcement posted by Blue Planet PR 01 Feb 2021

- Interview Opportunity: Philip Hibbs, leading Australian Occupational Hygienist discusses high-risk conditions for transmission of the new mutant COVID strain

- Developed in Australia, Aeris Environmental hard surface and air conditioning system solutions provide long lasting protection

- Case study: Ben Lucas, owner of Flow Athletic Gym in Paddington, Sydney

With all states on high alert over the mutated SARS-CoV-2 strain, and cases found in Queensland hotel quarantine, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has stated: “What we do know is the (new) disease is more contagious, so you can catch it from a surface or from sharing a doorknob or elevator lift, that’s all it takes.”

Alongside high-traffic surface transmission, the role of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) in spreading SARS-CoV-2 has also been thrust in the spotlight, due to the mystery cases in Brisbane’s Hotel Grand Chancellor.

The latest international advice from WHO and REHVA[1] (Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations) states that every building, and the spaces within them, need individual assessment - as they vary greatly due to age and design.

Occupational health and safety and environmental management consultancy firm, Hibbs & Associates, is advocating for clearer direction for the community for proper surface hygiene for protection against SARS-CoV-2.

“While research is ongoing to determine how long SARS-CoV-2 remains active on different surfaces, there is evidence that it can remain viable on some surfaces for several days.  Consequently, it is possible for the virus to be transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces, particularly high touch surfaces such as handrails and doorknobs.” said Philip Hibbs.  “However, the risk of airborne transmission of the virus is likely to be a more significant and currently underestimated route of infection.  Airborne transmission via HVAC systems appears to be a particularly important in spreading the virus in the building environment, as we have witnessed from the problems in quarantine hotels.”

It is crucial that HVAC units are properly maintained.  Additionally, businesses and households should check that the cleaning products they are buying have proven virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy not only kill SARS-CoV-2, but to also offer longer protection.

Developed in Australia and ARTG listed, Aeris Active is laboratory tested and proven to kill COVID-19 in 60 seconds due to its patented formulation that combines hydrogen peroxide and ammonium quaternary compounds.

Unlike other disinfectants, Aeris Active kills SARS-CoV-2 in 60 seconds and leaves behind an invisible biocidal-polymer film to ensure residual protection for hard surfaces against fungi, bacteria, SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.  Aeris Active can be applied once to clean, disinfect and protect even on dirty surfaces.

Sydney gym owner, Ben Lucas, has been using Aeris Active at his Paddington based gym since February this year. He says patrons feel reassured that the gym’s cleaning protocols go beyond current standards to provide added protection.

“As a small business, we’re doing everything we can to make sure we stay COVID-free and open. Having the assurance of 7 day protection against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses reduces the risk of exposure and encourages patrons to continue visiting or return.”

Aeris Active kills SARS-CoV-2 and provides up to 7 days protection against the virus and up to 30 days protection against bacteria associated with Influenza, Norovirus, Salmonella and E. Coli.

Watch: How Aeris Active Kills SARS-CoV-2.

For more information of Aeris Active visit www.aeris.com.au.

Interview Opportunity: to arrange an interview with Philip Hibbs or Ben Lucas, please contact Blue Planet PR - Maria Crema on 0402 239 929.

ENDS

 

Media Contact: Blue Planet Public Relations

Maria Crema – 0402 239 929, maria.crema@blueplanetpr.com.au

Sophie Blue - 0416 006 821, sophie.blue@blueplanetpr.com.au