GRAND RAPIDS — There are still a lot of questions about how Coronavirus spreads on surfaces and in environments like hospitals, airplanes or cruise ships.
A West Michigan pathogen expert says there are some technologies that can sanitize surfaces and the air with Ultra Violet Light.
Dr. Linda Lee is a pathologist and the Chief Medical Affairs and Science Officer for UV Angel, a Grand Haven-based company that specializes in that sanitizing technology.
Dr. Lee told FOX 17 that not only can COVID-19 spread from person to person, but new research shows the virus could possibly live on some surfaces.
The virus also has a higher transmission rate than the cold and flu virus. In fact, according to Dr. Lee, one person with COVID-19 can infect up to three people, whereas someone with Influenza may infect about 0.5 people.
When it comes to places like hospitals or transportation, UV Angel uses Ultra Violet Germicidal Radiation Technology to scan and eliminate bacteria and viruses. Those devices can be set up near the ceiling to sanitize the air, or put over high-touch surfaces like keyboards and screens.
Dr. Lee said, “This virus could live up to 24 hours on cardboard and two to three days on plastics and metal. Viruses very much need a host, they need a nice warm, cozy place to live in your body. When these viruses leave your body and they`re on environmental surfaces, it`s very harsh for them, so the harsher the environment, the quicker they die.”
Dr. Lee reminds everyone that washing your hands and cleaning surfaces, remains the best practice for disrupting how the virus spreads.
If the UV Angel sounds like something you'd like to add to your company or workspace, visit UV Angel's website.
