Encouraging news on the anti-virus battlefield is breaking out on multiple fronts, beginning with the November 9 announcement from pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech that a Covid-19 vaccine in development seems to be 90% effective and could be available for limited distribution in several months.
Meanwhile, on the virus infection prevention side of the battle lines, London, England-based Veraco Ltd has designed and manufactured a range of antimicrobial adhesive pads and wraps to be used on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, shopping carts and handrails. They use “Silver Ions” technology that works by breaking down the biological makeup of microorganisms, in order to stop the spread and reproduction of dangerous pathogens.
The pads are said to kill up to 99.99% of common bacteria as well as being effective against novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Antimicrobial silver technology is not new and has been used in paints and coatings for hospitals, but until now a versatile range of solutions that can easily be installed anywhere has been lacking.
Several studies suggest that viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can survive on surfaces for days, and though people are much more careful about washing hands these days, they sometimes forget or neglect to do so promptly. Veraco’s pads are promoted as effective 24/7 instantaneously on touch and for up to two years after deployment. They have already be installed with the NHS in the United Kingdom, as well as at Toyota factories, London Metropolitan University and COS stores.
George Strong, co-founder of Veraco, commented: “In a post-Covid world we are going to be far more hygiene conscious. People will continue to avoid touching public doors, handles, screens etc as best they can and there will be continued expectations on businesses to support that change in behavior. This pandemic has changed hygiene standards and we see our products as part of setting that standard across the world.”
Fellow co-founder Charles Churchman added: “We knew the technology worked, but we wanted to also create products that looked good and were really easy to use. We have a range of different shapes and sizes, and we can also produce customized designs for our trade customers. In the future, there is no reason why any frequently touched surface wouldn’t be protected.”
