FORT MILL, S.C.—Diversey, a leading provider of hygiene, infection prevention and cleaning solutions, has been recognized by Newsweek and the Leapfrog Group for its leading Oxivir Tb, which has been rated as a Best Infection Prevention Product in 2021. Diversey’s Oxivir Tb was evaluated and selected, using four criteria: effectiveness, safety (to both patients and healthcare workers), successful real-world implementation and the stability of the company. “A clean environment is critical to minimize the risk of infection,” said Carolyn Cooke, Vice President of Healthcare in North America, Diversey. “Oxivir disinfectants powered by Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP) technology, provide an alternative to...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. leisure travelers plan to significantly pare back travel plans amid rising COVID-19 cases, with 69 percent planning to take fewer trips, 55 percent planning to postpone existing travel plans, and 42 percent likely to cancel existing plans without rescheduling, according to a new national survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Nearly three in four (72 percent) are likely to only travel to places within driving distance. While leisure travel historically begins to decline after Labor Day, it remains critical throughout the year. The new survey highlights the ongoing negative effects of...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—As office workers in the United States continue returning to their places of employment, Bradley Corp. conducted its Healthy Handwashing Survey and found that coronavirus concerns persist, especially as new variants emerge. In response, employees are taking preventive actions. A total of 86 percent are bringing a mask with them to work and 73 percent have been fully vaccinated. In addition to masks, office workers are packing a few other personal protection items: 66 percent have their own hand sanitizer; 39 percent are taking cleaning wipes; and 29 percent are prepared with disinfectant spray. The survey also revealed that,...

CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association’s recent webinar on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic featured Larry Lynch, its SVP of Science & Industry, and Drs. Vishnu Chundi, Stephen Ondra, and Edward Linn of the Chicago Medical Society. They talked about how the delta variant is causing an increase in positive cases—mostly among unvaccinated populations—and how state and local mandates requiring proof of vaccination and/or face coverings are also on the rise. The four said to rely on the science behind the effectiveness of the precautions when enforcing mandates, and use the information to develop consistent, effective messaging that explains the...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) announced additional steps to increase attendees’ comfort level at its upcoming meetings. Co-located are the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) North America and the HFTP Annual Convention, September 27 to 30, 2021 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. In consideration of the ongoing pandemic, health safety guidelines and protocols are in place for the protection of all attendees. This includes a strong recommendation for attendees to be vaccinated. For the adversely hit hospitality industry, these meetings are critical for industry professionals to share their experiences and strategies face-to-face, and to meet with...

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.—By now, it’s well known that circulating outdoor air in buildings is safer than recirculating indoor air. That point was driven home by the pandemic. Problem is, it is just not cost-effective. That may soon change. Purdue University engineers have proposed a system that combines new membrane technology with the latest HVAC systems to make 100 percent outdoor air systems more energy-efficient and economically feasible—especially in warm, humid climates. They say their system could save up to 66 percent in energy costs for large buildings that choose to use the safer outdoor air. Previous research at Purdue has shown that...

ATLANTA—Acuity Brands, Inc. announced that its Care222 filtered far-UVC module with patent-pending dosing electronics is the first germicidal UV (GUV) source in the wavelength range 200-230 nm (i.e., “far-UVC”)  to be UL LLC Certified to meet U.S. and Canadian standards for germicidal equipment for use in occupied spaces. When properly installed and administered, the module is in the Exempt risk group for photobiological hazards, as described in the IEC 62471:2006, Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. “This tremendous technical achievement has come at a time when the worldwide awareness of the need to control pathogens has never been greater. Substantive pathogen...

DOHA, QATAR—Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) recently marked a milestone in its Qatar Clean program, with 100 percent of QNTC-licensed hotels now “Qatar Clean” certified. Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in June 2020, QNTC’s Qatar Clean program ensures the highest standards in hygiene and cleanliness, with rigorous procedures in place to ensure the safety of customers. QNTC’s Secretary General, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, as well as COO Mr. Berthold Trenkel, marked the anniversary with a visit to the W Doha, which was the first hotel to be certified Qatar Clean. With 100 percent of hotels now fully certified,...

AVON, CONN.— iCleanse (formerly ReadyDock), a leader in chemical-free UV-C disinfection technology for over ten years, announced three new customer engagement versions of the patented Swift UV rapid disinfection station for smartphones: Stand, Wall-Mount, and Table-Top. Businesses place the innovative Swift UV disinfection stations anywhere needed to showcase digital video or still image content in tandem with fast and effective smartphone disinfection, keeping their employees and customers safer from infection. While users wait just 15 seconds for Swift UV to kill 99.99 percent of pathogens (including coronavirus, the common cold, and influenza) on their smartphones, businesses will continuously display educational,...

TEMECULA, CALIF.—Pechanga Resort Casino is saying thank you to its team members who have received the COVID-19 vaccine by rewarding them with a $100 jackpot. Pechanga’s leadership landed on giving staff a $100 gift card incentive after considering a variety of ways to encourage its workforce to take the protective measure. “In coordination with our governmental partners, team members eligible for the vaccine were able to be vaccinated on-site for their convenience,” said Andrew Masiel, Sr., President of the Pechanga Development Corporation Board of Directors. “In addition to on-site opportunities, many of our team members went out on their own...