No-one disputes the health and wellbeing benefits that gyms and leisure facilities provide to their members in terms of physical activity, mental stimulation, and social interaction. However, under the current easing of lockdown they are still shut and not likely to open until the end of July at the earliest. This is due to concerns around social distancing and the transmission of transient microbes through hand-surface-hand transfer in changing rooms; and the difficulties in maintaining disinfection on equipment.
After three months of closure, health, fitness and beauty spas that are classed as ‘close proximity venues’ are striving to inspire confidence in their clientele to return to those dust gathering running and rowing machines, weights and spa facilities when the green flag is raised .
Over lockdown the introduction and uptake of new technologies and practices in all walks of life has enabled people to adapt to the pandemic threat accordingly – working from home, home-schooling, and even returning to the workplace where new measures have been developed which instil confidence. The cleaning and disinfection industry has not been left behind in the use of new technologies, seeing the introduction of a permanent bond long-term antimicrobial nano-coating that is leading to the establishment of a ‘new normal’ in cleaning and self-disinfection on high touch surfaces.
New anti-viral nano coating technology.
This nanocoating is a layer of silica sand (SiO2) that forms a permanently bonded nano-scale layer of glass over the surface of the base material (such as plastic, metals, stone, tiles etc) which, in itself makes the surface easy to clean as it repels liquid and dirt. A significant boost to the functionality of this technology has been facilitated by the introduction of an anti-microbial active ingredient which cross-links with the strong bond formed by the SiO2. The ammonium chloride based antimicrobial constantly kills viruses, bacteria, moulds and fungi that come into contact with it. The microbe is physically killed as the surface punctures the cell’s outer wall and renders it inactive.
Liquid Guard® antimicrobial nano-coating is ideal for use in gyms, leisure facilities, spas and swimming pools as it provides a year-long permanently bonded anti-bac performance. Crucial for these settings, it has been dermatologically tested and classed as ‘excellent’ in terms of compatibility with skin contact. Application is through simple spray & wipe or fogging/misting – ensuring that changing benches, lockers, changing room floors along with equipment can all be treated quickly and easily, with 12 month effectiveness
Liquid Guard’s ease of application and longevity combined with independent laboratory certified anti-microbial effectiveness against TGEV Coronavirus, Influensa A, and a multitude of bacterial and fungal infections, (including athlete’s foot -Trichophyton mentagrophytes), offers real peace of mind to facilities managers, employees and clients as they look to dust down the equipment and get physical!
The Wynnstay Hotel & Spa in Oswestry has prepared its hotel facilities, that being their Wilsons Bar & Restaurant, and shortly its Coach House Fitness and Beauty Suite using Liquid Guard on all high touch surfaces, in order to vastly reduce the risk of hand-surface-hand microbial transmission – thus prioritising the safety of guests and staff alike. Director James Woodward commented ‘Whilst we have looked forward to our guests returning, the health and safety of our customers and staff has been at the forefront of our decisions to reopen and we absolutely understand any reservations they have on the prospect of stepping back into public spaces. However the use of Liquid Guard, the independently verified, tested and certified anti-microbial nano-coating product, gives us confidence to reopen and provide customers with a reassuring welcome.’