Frank Vaisvilas Green Bay Press-Gazette
Published 4:11 p.m. CT Aug. 13, 2020
CRANDON - As tribal casinos reopen amid the ongoing pandemic, some are utilizing ultra-violet light systems in their ventilation ducts to help neutralize the coronavirus.
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community recently installed such a system made by the California-based company UltraViolet Devices, Inc., at its Mole Lake casino and lodge in Crandon.
“Tribal leadership is committed to enhanced measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests and employees as we reopen,” said Johnny L. Phillips Jr., assistant general manager of the Mole Lake Casino, in a statement. “As part of multiple facility upgrades, including touch-less restrooms, we’re pleased to work with UVDI to install its state-of-the-art UV air disinfection system.”
The tribe, which has around 1,400 members and a 4,900-acre reservation, has reported zero COVID-19 cases, which tribal officials attribute to enhanced testing and tracing.
“UV-C germicidal lamps are installed inside the HVAC system duct work,” said Will Gerard, spokesman for UVDI, about how the system works. “As the air passes the UV-C light, it ‘kills’ more than 99% of the virus immediately. The air is recirculated to the HVAC system from the casino space, therefore cleaning the air in the casino.”
snip
Dr. Edward Nardell, a Harvard Medical School professor who specializes in airborne diseases, told the Associated Press that the danger in schools is from ineffective air systems that don’t remove floating viruses and let them linger in classrooms after an infected person visits.
Ultraviolet light technology was developed during the 1950s and is still in use in hospitals, but experts believe schools and other entities should consider installing the lights, which can cost $3,000 per classroom.
https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/ne...us/3363712001/
Published 4:11 p.m. CT Aug. 13, 2020
CRANDON - As tribal casinos reopen amid the ongoing pandemic, some are utilizing ultra-violet light systems in their ventilation ducts to help neutralize the coronavirus.
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community recently installed such a system made by the California-based company UltraViolet Devices, Inc., at its Mole Lake casino and lodge in Crandon.
“Tribal leadership is committed to enhanced measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests and employees as we reopen,” said Johnny L. Phillips Jr., assistant general manager of the Mole Lake Casino, in a statement. “As part of multiple facility upgrades, including touch-less restrooms, we’re pleased to work with UVDI to install its state-of-the-art UV air disinfection system.”
The tribe, which has around 1,400 members and a 4,900-acre reservation, has reported zero COVID-19 cases, which tribal officials attribute to enhanced testing and tracing.
“UV-C germicidal lamps are installed inside the HVAC system duct work,” said Will Gerard, spokesman for UVDI, about how the system works. “As the air passes the UV-C light, it ‘kills’ more than 99% of the virus immediately. The air is recirculated to the HVAC system from the casino space, therefore cleaning the air in the casino.”
snip
Dr. Edward Nardell, a Harvard Medical School professor who specializes in airborne diseases, told the Associated Press that the danger in schools is from ineffective air systems that don’t remove floating viruses and let them linger in classrooms after an infected person visits.
Ultraviolet light technology was developed during the 1950s and is still in use in hospitals, but experts believe schools and other entities should consider installing the lights, which can cost $3,000 per classroom.
https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/ne...us/3363712001/
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