Get the monkey off your back

As we take the first tentative steps into a world where Covid-19 is beginning to wane, the need for vigilance and safety has not diminished. In fact as more people return to the workplace and social distancing in schools and hospitals is reduced, the need to protect individuals from infection is increasing.

The requirement to keep staff, patients, and students safe when using shared devices should remain a priority: protection from Covid is not the only goal.

A whole host of viral and bacterial diseases, from the common cold, influenza, norovirus and even conjunctivitis can be spread person to person by shared devices and VR/AR headsets are a unique risk given their proximity to the respiratory system, the eyes and close contact with skin. All these illnesses cause discomfort and distress, and each can have a significant impact on staff or pupil absence, or for vulnerable patients lead to serious complications or worse.

The current outbreak of Monkeypox illustrates that new risks are always waiting in the wings, and while we can breathe a little easier knowing it is not airborne, it is a disease that is spread by close contact and potentially by the sharing of headsets and other devices.

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials.
(Source WHO 19 May 2022)

So how best to protect people from these risks?

Our own study showed that the traditional method of hand cleaning headsets with disinfectant wipes or sprays is time consuming, wasteful, and most importantly has very poor efficacy, even when done well. (link to study)

Uvisan UV-C cabinets disinfect headsets quickly and thoroughly, killing 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and spores in just two minutes: no chemicals, no consumables, no waste and huge savings in time.

UV-C is a proven technology that has been used in water disinfection for decades. It is safe when used in an enclosed environment, does not damage headsets or other shared electronics and Uvisan cabinets are used and trusted by hospitals and businesses across the world including the NHS and Microsoft.

To find out more about the science behind UV-C and the benefits of using Uvisan products to secure your office, hospital, school or university click here.