Even after the restrictions of movements are lifted, coronavirus-related hygiene practices are likely to remain throughout many aspects of travel. Airlines and airports are implementing new sanitation measures to keep everyone healthy and Hong Kong International Airport is leading the way by introducing full-body disinfection booths and cleaning robots.
Hong Kong Airport Introduces Full-Body Disinfection Booths and Cleaning Robots
Cleantech, the full-body disinfection booth, involves people undergoing a temperature check and then entering a small, enclosed facility for 40 seconds. Inside the booth, a disinfection and sanitizing process will take place, wherein the person is sprinkled with sanitizing spray and exposed antimicrobial coating that can remotely kill germs, viruses, and bacteria found on clothing or the body. This coating is also being tested on high-touch surfaces like check-in kiosks, handles, seats, toilets, passenger buses, etc. Right now, the booth is only being used by airport staff dealing with public health and quarantine duties, but could be rolled out for public use in the future.
The airport is also using autonomous cleaning robots, whose purpose is to constantly disinfect public areas and passenger facilities, like toilets and other areas throughout the terminal. Called Intelligent Sterilization Robots, these robots are equipped with ultraviolet light and air sterilizers.
Steven Yiu, the airport authority’s deputy director of service delivery, said in a statement, “The safety and well-being of airport staff and passengers are always our first priority. Although air traffic has been impacted by the pandemic, the AA spares no effort in ensuring that the airport is a safe environment for all users. We will continue to look into new measures to enhance our cleaning and disinfection work.” 