ORLANDO, FLA.—Violet Defense, the only known manufacturer of pulsed Xenon UV disinfection devices that can be installed and operated autonomously, has announced that its technology has been independently validated to kill up to 99.99 percent of Human coronavirus, strain 229E, an accepted testing surrogate for the SARS-COV-2 virus, at a distance of 2 meters. “Our goal as a company has always been to help protect the everyday places where people live, work, and play by providing clinical level disinfection from harmful germs at a cost-effective price point. This is more important than ever during this pandemic, as we try to...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—With the onset of COVID-19, doors have become the untouchables yet somehow you have got to make your way through as unscathed as possible. Fortunately, myriad suppliers are offering innovative devices to make the door experience as virus and touch free as possible. Examples of the devices include a simple key made of antimicrobial brass that you use to push a door open, a no-touch door pull handle that allows one to use one’s wrist or bottom of one’s arm to open a door, a door handle cuff utilized by resting ones forearm into the cuff and pressing...

FORT WASHINGTON, PENN.—Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, launched its Papernet Heavenly Soft Door Tissue and Defend Tech hand towel dispensers. With heightened concerns around hygiene in public facilities—particularly in restrooms—the Door Tissue promotes cleanliness by turning restroom doors into touchless exits and eliminating contact with other high-traffic touchpoints such as elevator buttons. The Defend Tech dispensers feature unique silver-ion technology that repels germs and helps further reduce the risk of contaminated hands and surfaces. “Some customers form perceptions of a business based on the level of hygiene in the facility, especially its restrooms,” said Fabio Vitali, Vice President, Marketing, Sofidel America. “Solutions like our Door Tissue and the Defend Tech dispensers allow businesses to help customers feel safe and stay clean.” Paired with a waste receptacle, the Door Tissue can reduce touchpoints in a variety of environments. Restaurants, retailers, office...

ASHLAND, ORE.—The Organic Alcohol Company (OAC) has once again risen to consumer demands and is offering a new line of sanitizers that are fragrance-free and gentle on the hands using top of the line ingredients. Many sanitizers being sold have an unpleasant odor or potentially dangerous levels of toxic chemicals. This is another reason The Organic Alcohol Company decided to create hand sanitizer with pure, pharmaceutical, and food-grade ingredients, ensuring consumers are receiving a high-quality product that is safe to use. When The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) fast-tracked the approved production of hand sanitizers in direct response...

VALENCIA, CALIF.—UltraViolet Devices, Inc. (UVDI) announced it is partnering with the Mole Lake Casino Lodge and Conference Center to provide seven Air Disinfection systems for the Tribal casino’s air handling units. The UVDI V-MAX Grid Air Disinfection Systems are an integral part of the casino’s plan to reopen with enhanced coronavirus disinfection protocols to help protect guests and employees. Mole Lake Casino Lodge is installing a custom-configured UVDI V-MAX GRID system that uses high-output UV-C lamps with proven scientific confirmation of 99 percent coronavirus inactivation and which meet CDC and ASHRAE Airborne Infection Control guidelines. UVDI’s proprietary software system incorporates...

PRINCETON, N.J.—Miele USA, a subsidiary of the global leader in state-of-the-art home and professional grade appliances, announced the North American launch of its newest and most versatile laundry system to date. Miele Little Giants washers and dryers offer short cycle wash programs (25-minute Express wash cycle), high temperature disinfection (up to 200°F) and high spin extraction (G-Force up to 704Gs), providing a superior hygienic clean in less time. Miele Little Giants offer the ultimate solution for all laundry demands across a range of hospitality and wellness applications including salons, spas, B&Bs and small resorts to restaurants, bakeries, cafes and catering...

QUITO, ECUADOR—After three-and-a-half months with its doors locked, curtains drawn, and only a skeleton crew onsite, Mashpi Lodge has begun welcoming explorers to experience the beauty of the rainforest again. A cocoon in the clouds within the 6,000-acre Mashpi Rainforest Reserve near Quito, Ecuador, Mashpi Lodge has spent the pandemic pause productively, implementing more than 30 protocols and measures designed to prioritize the health and safety of guests and staff, surpassing even the “Safe Travels” protocols recommended by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Team members of Mashpi Lodge have been thoroughly trained and tested on every new detail...

NATIONAL REPORT—One thing that COVID-19 experts agree on is this: the fewer the touch points, the fewer the opportunities for infection. Much has been written so far about touchless check-in but another touch point beginning to receive attention is the water filtration system. Earlier this month, Vero Water, a leading provider of luxury still and sparkling water, introduced its VERO+4 featuring Touchless Technology to meet the heightened sanitation and safety requirements for HORECA establishments because of COVID-19. Similarly, FloWater announced the addition of a foot pedal mechanism to its already self-sanitizing FloWater Refill Stations, making them fully “Touchless.” In the...

FORT WASHINGTON, PENN.—Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, launched its Papernet Heavenly Soft Door Tissue and Defend Tech hand towel dispensers. With heightened concerns around hygiene in public facilities—particularly in restrooms—the Door Tissue promotes cleanliness by turning restroom doors into touchless exits and eliminating contact with other high-traffic touchpoints such as elevator buttons. The Defend Tech dispensers feature unique silver-ion technology that repels germs and helps further reduce the risk of contaminated hands and surfaces. “Some customers form perceptions of a business based on the level of hygiene in the facility, especially its restrooms,”...

NEW YORK, N.Y.— Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry, announced a fully contactless suite of applications for the hospitality industry, specifically designed for hotels and resorts, gaming, restaurants and food service, and event sales and table reservations. With guest and hotel staff safety in mind, Infor Hospitality Cloud solutions are designed to address hotel operational needs for social distancing and contactless processes—including mobile check-in/check-out, digital keys, and the ability to order room service via one’s own device. “Guests are seeking frictionless options that will allow them to circumvent long lines or crowded lobbies, preferring self-service...