“disinfection tunnels” installed in a hypermarket

Similar to metal detection gates, these “disinfection tunnels” are actually a weapon against the coronavirus. A hypermarket on the outskirts of Ajaccio installed two of these portals at the entrance to the store on Monday 9 November, with the aim of “breaking the spread” of Covid-19.

Using ultrasound and ultraviolet light, these “disinfection tunnels” take customers’ temperature. Each person puts their palm close to a built-in infrared thermometer, before stepping onto this porch spread a disinfectant solution by micro misters.

According to comments reported by AFP, most of the customers expressed their satisfaction, considering the device to be “reassuring” and “protective” to face the epidemic. But some remain skeptical. “Anything that can be contaminated will not be decontaminated by it, it could be more to reassure the population“said a Belgian on vacation in Corsica.” I was not told about the disinfection and the active ingredients used, “he stressed.

For his part, François Padrona, the owner of the Leclerc hypermarket where these “tunnels” were installed, told AFP “that it is necessary on the one hand reassure our customers about barrier gestures and reassure our employees“. François Padrona recalls that the disinfection tunnels had already been set up for shopping trolleys but not for people.” It’s very innovative, “he said.

“Used for seven years in Asia”

Sold for 9,500 euros excluding taxes, these portals promise three-level disinfection of all microbes, bacteria and viruses : Paul-Antoine Lanfranchi explained to AFP, director of the company Corse Chimie Industrie, which sells this equipment in Corsica by means of ultrasound, ultraviolet light and nebulization of a hypochlorous solution.

According to him, these tunnels, “used for seven years in Asia”, “are aimed at stop the spread of the virus by touch but obviously you have to keep the mask “, added Paul-Antoine Lanfranchi:” it is not the absolute weapon but it has a role “to limit the transmission of the virus.

Similar equipment has been placed at the entrance to schools or universities in Iran, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. A disinfection lock was also established in June in the residence of President Vladimir Putin by the Russian authorities to avoid any contamination with the coronavirus brought by visitors.

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