Optimizing Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Operation against the Spreading of COVID-19

这一伙伴关系的目标是制定一项使用紫外线杀菌辐照（UVGI）在长期护理设施公共区域进行表面消毒的应用准则，以便在对这类设施的限制开始放松时减少大流行再次发生的可能性。Sanuvox Technologies是一家总部位于蒙特利尔的UVGI设备制造的全球领导者。他们目前面临的挑战是确保UVGI表面消毒的实际有效性，这可能会受到不利的空间设置和环境条件的阻碍。护理提供者Logifem面临着执行表面消毒的支持人员短缺的问题。长期护理机构在感染病例总数中所占的比例要高得多。SARS-CoV-2是COVID-19的病原体，很容易通过呼吸道飞沫沉积的高交通区域污染的环境表面传播。很难通过常规接触消毒手段对大面积地区进行彻底消毒，特别是在缺乏支持工作人员的大流行期间。UVGI在特定剂量的UVC灭活病毒方面是有效的，因为辐射会破坏RNA中的键，从而阻止微生物的复制。事实上，UVGI表面消毒已被证明是医院的有效解决方案。而在其他空间类型中，不同的空间设置和环境条件可能不利于UVGI的运行。本项目将进行模拟实验和现场测试，确定UVGI运行的最佳温度、相对湿度、家具距离、表面反射率范围。该项目将向合作伙伴提供基于证据的设计、改造和操作建议，以支持UVGI表面消毒的有效应用。在聚集性生活设施中更广泛地部署UVGI表面消毒将关闭可能的传播途径，并保护我们的人口免受COVID-19的侵害。

The goal of the partnership is to develop an application guideline for the use of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) for surface disinfection in common areas of long-term care facilities to reduce the potential reoccurrence of a pandemic when restrictions on these types of facilities begin to relax. Sanuvox Technologies is a Montreal based global leader in the manufacturing of UVGI equipment. Their current challenge is to ensure the real-life effectiveness of UVGI surface disinfection, which can be hindered by unfavorable space settings and environmental conditions. Logifem, a care provider, faces a shortage of support workers to perform surface disinfection. Long-term care facilities experienced a much higher share of the total infection cases. SARS-CoV-2, which is the causative agent of COVID-19, is readily transmitted through contaminated environmental surfaces of high traffic areas where expiratory droplets deposited. It is difficult to thoroughly disinfect wide areas by convectional contact disinfection means, particularly during the pandemic where support workers are lacked. UVGI is effective in inactivating viruses with specific UVC dose as the radiation breaks bonds in RNA and thus prevents replication of the microorganisms. In fact, UVGI surface disinfection has proved to be an effective solution for hospitals. In other space types, by contrast, the diverse space settings and environmental conditions might not favor UVGI operation. This project will conduct a simulated experiment and field test to determine the optimal range of temperature, relative humidity, furniture distance, surface reflectivity for UVGI operation. The project will provide the partners with evidence-based design, retrofitting, and operational recommendations to support the effective application of UVGI surface disinfection. A broader deployment of UVGI surface disinfection in congregate living facilities will close up a likely path of transmission and protect our population against COVID-19.