To deal with the coronavirus epidemic, it is essential to disinfect hands, surfaces or soiled objects. But is it possible to disinfect a person? Disinfection gates (or tunnels) are gradually being set up at the entrance to various structures. Are they effective?
The “disinfection tunnels”
To disinfect people who enter public places or places of great frequentation, some directors have not hesitated to invest in a disinfection portal. At the entrance of food stores, communities or public events, these devices are starting to be installed. This is the case for a restaurant in Toulouse, a supermarket located in Monastier-sur-Gazeille and another in Ajaccio. The purpose of these machines is also to reassure and protect customers entering an establishment or a business. They are generally equipped with a hydro-alcoholic gel dispenser and a disinfection system. Some have an infrared thermometer or a scanner to check if the mask is worn. To be ” disinfected », All you have to do is go through the portico and turn around. The disinfection tunnels diffuse a kind of ” electrostatic haze », To trap the elements suspended in the air and of an ozone and UV system, to degrade germs and viruses.
Efficacy difficult to demonstrate, according to health authorities
Scientists remain cautious about the use of these disinfection devices. Indeed, the DGS (Directorate General of Health) emphasizes that ” scientific data to date are not sufficient to confirm the effectiveness of these processes. In addition, such a ‘gantry’ device could give an unfounded feeling of security and indirectly encourage relaxation of the attention of barrier gestures. Non-symptomatic people can transmit the virus, even after passing through the gantry “. In addition, the High Council of Public Health (HCSP) was asked this summer, to give its opinion on these procedures. In his report, he recommended the immediate establishment of an interdisciplinary working group, in charge of examining these means of disinfection for the population and of drafting usage protocols, to guarantee ” their efficacy and safety “. Although “the disinfection performance of UV-C radiation and ozone against numerous microorganisms has been known for decades”, studies must also be carried out concerning these disinfection tunnels intended for the Sars-Cov-2 virus. .
