GREENandSAVESTAFF

Purge Virus helps building owners disinfect the air to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Purge Virus replicates the disinfecting power of the sun to make indoor environments pathogen free.

Monday, February 1, 2021

No doubt about it, a war continues with an invisible enemy thats difficult to beat. But, analogous to the Allied victory in World War II, the battle against the coronavirus will most likely be won as an air fight.

COVID-19 is an extremely small virus about 0.12 microns (a human hair is 50-70 microns). When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, droplets with the virus fly into the air. Anyone who is within 6 feet of that person can breathe those droplets into their lungs and potentially get sick.

The question is, why are the same old tactics being used that didnt generate positive results 103 years ago masks and social distancing instead of deploying modern technology to overcome the virus that killed more than 675,000 people in the US alone during the 1918 pandemic.

The answer is companies and governments are starting to turn to air purification technology providers like Purge Virus to reduce sick building syndrome and improve indoor air quality at their buildings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other contagions.

Heres how it works; a building owner installs ultraviolet (UV-C) or bipolar ionization (BPI) air purification systems in their buildings existing air handling units to clean the air and prevent pathogens from passing into the ducts that supply air to other rooms.

The UV-C technology prevents the pathogen microorganisms from replicating and harming people. The BPI technology continuously saturates spaces with ions that bind to contaminants and then works to neutralize them. Independent research has shown that airborne bacteria and virusesincluding COVID-19were reduced by 99% within minutes of exposure to the systems.

We look at all the of the available and proven technologies in the world and align them to your buildings HVAC system to help keep people safe while occupying the space, said Charlie Szoradi, CEO of Purge Virus. With UV-C, we set out to simulate the disinfectant power of sunlight inside of the ducts in buildings.

Cleaning the air of germicides and limiting the spread of pathogens may become a world-wide effort among property owners, landlords, and everyday homeowners. Hospitals have been doing this for decades.

Medical experts say as COVID-19 variants continue to surface, vaccines may not achieve herd immunity soon enough, and some form of coronavirus may live on like the flu for decades. The new normal may be high-tech HVAC upgrades as part of standard building safety practices.

The true battlefield of WWII was not on land. It was a massive air and sea super-battlefield that stretched for thousands of miles. Victory in this super-battlefield eventually won the war. Combatting COVID-19 is an air war that can be won with the right technology and the service providers who understand how to use the weapons.

Charlie Szoradi is CEO of Purge Viruswww.purgevirus.com, a service organization that provides advanced in-duct disinfection technology to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and future viruses.

Disinfection Overview ContactCompany Name:Purge VirusContact Person:Charlie Szoradi: Charlie.Szoradi@PurgeVirus.comCountry:United StatesWebsite:https://www.purgevirus.com/

This disinfection overview is just the beginning. For more on bipolar ionization and other disinfectant technologies, please see:https://purgevirus.com/disinfection-webinar/

For more news on why Purge Virus is focusing HVAC to help Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) see here: https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/others/2020/06/can-hvac-systems-transmit-covid-19

A team of researchers at the University of Alberta (U of A) is investigating the possibility that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems might play a part in spreading airborne COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

Until now, it has been unclear how human-generated bioaerosols (suspended airborne particles) affect airborne virus transmission and how HVAC systems should be designed and operated to reduce the risk of transmission, said Zhong.

Zhong says non-pharmaceutical intervention through HVAC systems is as valuable as vaccine research in the battle to tame the coronavirus.

Improving mechanical ventilation systems in high-occupancy structures would be a critical way to contain the (COVID-19) pandemic, she said. Some buildings or cabins have a high density of occupants in enclosed spaces where the spread of airborne infections can have rapid and extensive consequences.

If the U of A researchers find that HVAC systems can, in fact, carry the virus, Hadjiloizou says how the ventilation systems need adjust depends on the spreading pattern of the virus.

The fix could be simple, such as replacing the filters in the systems more frequently, he said. Or maybe the whole concept needs to be redesigned, so that the air inside a building is not recirculated and fresh air is brought in from outside.

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Purge Virus helps building owners disinfect the air to reduce the spread of COVID-19 - GREENandSAVE

While COVID-proofing is a term said somewhat wistfully, it hasnt stopped architects and home builders from accelerating healthy-living trends that were already growing in popularity before the pandemic. Enhanced water- and air-filtration systems and a general push toward sustainability are increasingly basic expectations in both the single-family and multifamily home sector.

These healthy-living trends particularly in the realm of air filtration are on track to be a new standard of post-pandemic home building.

Its certainly something we hear about with people spending so much more time in their homes and thinking about it in a different way as a safe haven from germs and disease and, in particular, air quality and air filtration and virus filtration, said Abbe Will, a research associate and associate project director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Design. All of that is suggesting this is a part of the market that is likely growing and almost certainly will have some kind of boost from the pandemic.

Architects like Alani approach air filtration in dense apartment and condo buildings with a focus on mechanical systems, especially nine months into a pandemic in which potential renters and buyers are suddenly just as focused on air quality as they are amenity space.

There is also a return to operable windows, even in downtown high-rises where developers have shied away from installing them in recent years to save money.

I was against them in the past. Theyre more expensive, and zoning limited how little they could actually open, said Michael Procopio, vice president of development at Procopio Cos., a real estate development firm. Now I would never think about building a 350-unit building unless it had operable windows.

There are ways to abide by zoning and still deliver fresh air to residents seeking more ventilation, both during and after the pandemic. Juliet balconies are very shallow and basically enable full-length windows with the protection of a railing in taller buildings. Alani expects the trend to grow in the coming years, even with budget-minded developers in a costly construction environment such as Boston.

There had been resistance [to installing working windows] due to cost increases, she added. Its not huge, but everyone was after the last dollar because of rising construction costs. But I think moving forward, providing residents with more than the four-inch operability of one window in a room is a huge benefit. I think people will be more conscious of it.

Multifamily developers are also reworking the layouts of apartment and condo buildings, particularly in amenity areas and delivery drop-off points. Amenity areas that once housed communal eating areas and workspaces are getting compartmentalized to offer more private offices.

Weve always been big proponents of coworking and essentially mini WeWorks in our buildings, Procopio said. Now its a lot of little nooks, and it feels like an airport lounge. Its cozy.

Procopios development team also has installed enhanced high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems on elevator cabs to provide better ventilation in such a confined space. Residents can open main entrances to a Procopio building or summon an elevator remotely via a smartphone app at developments like Ironwood Apartments in Lynn. While this technology was offered pre-pandemic, Procopio said, he expects it to become more standard practice in light of a year of social distancing and other precautionary measures.

The CBT design team moved toward a secure porch-like delivery area at Watermark Central, an apartment building in Central Square. Deliveries are left in a secure vestibule thats visible to the concierge but doesnt require a delivery person coming into the building.

New filtration technologies or retroactive build-outs may initially cost more, but developers and architects expect prices to come down the more these features become new building standards.

This year, there would have been a cost impact because we were all scrambling, Alani said. But moving forward, this is how we will do buildings, and we will incorporate it into a system of decisions and not tack it on as we have this year.

Single-family homes are a different arena. While they dont have the same issues of shared air-filtration systems as a condo building, an individual home can still run the risk of bacterial spread. One of the ways Cindy Stumpo, CEO of C. Stumpo Development, tackles this is by zoning off the air-filtration systems of the bedrooms in the luxury homes she builds. Typically, air filtration is controlled on different levels of a house.

With the Stumpo method, someone quarantining in their bedroom wouldnt have to worry about contaminated air particles seeping into the rest of the house.

If the parents are in their bedroom sneezing and coughing, the kids arent going to get it in their rooms because I separately zone off, Stumpo said. If from the beginning you zone off, you can stop germs from spreading through your own home. But if youre not isolating and going to go into the family room or kitchen, its going to spread.

Experts interviewed for this story recognize there could be an opportunistic cottage industry of pandemic-related home materials born from the public health crisis. But all stressed the importance of the basics: air filtration. Items like HEPA filters or allergen-pleated MERV 15 (minimum efficiency reporting value) air filters provide viable ways to combat airborne bacterial spread. The cost of a basic air infiltration depends on the size of your home.

Ultraviolet lights are even available for residential air systems and can eliminate germs and viruses. While there is debate on how effective some cleaning materials and sanitizers work in combating an airborne virus, Stumpo installs in-duct UV-air germ lamp systems in the homes she builds. The purification system uses UV light and ions to destroy particulate, microbial, and gas pollutants on surfaces, as well as in the air of a home. The systems, from brands like Field Controls or Reme Halo, typically cost less than $500.

This is the only product that is not a gimmick, Stumpo said. I am actually designing seven new homes in Brookline, and Im making sure we are getting everything we can in these homes right at the beginning.

No matter how advanced the air-filtration systems get in one of her homes the pricier ones are about $5 million and higher in tony neighborhoods of Brookline and Newton Stumpo said they still require some level of attention to get the maximum benefit.

Some people dont remember to change the filters, she added with a laugh while noting she sends a twice-a-year reminder e-mail to all her clients. They forget. I dont care how smart they are.

Cameron Sperance can be reached at camsperance@gmail.com. Subscribe to the Globes free real estate newsletter our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @globehomes.

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The COVID-proofed home drop://Pandemic-fueled design is more than just a second office and a gym - The Boston Globe

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture keeps records offood safety inspectionsat restaurants and food vendors.

Berks County is divided into three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township and the rest of the county. Reading and Muhlenberg Township have their own inspectors and the rest of the county is inspected by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture inspectors.

The results will be posted every other week. All food vendors are inspected at least once a year. Other inspections can be triggered by a change of owner, a follow up if a facility had been out of compliance or by a complaint filed with the PDA.

View any vendor'slast inspection reportonline. Click on the PDF version of the inspection report for all details.

If a food provider is labeled out of compliance, that means it has one or more violations that require a return visit by an inspector. The establishment is given time to fix the problem(s) and remains open for business.

Complaints can be filed onlinewith the PDA.

Below are the results of inspections conducted between Dec. 16 and Dec. 29, 2020, that were filed in the state database as of Dec. 31, 2020, at 4 p.m.

They include the inspector's comments on violations.

Cristina's Family Restaurant, 500 Hoch Road, Blandon , Dec. 29: three violations. Wall walk-in cooler is split open at freezer side causing exposed wall material that must be repaired and cleaned. Owner had leak repaired and will finish wall. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in walk-in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Observed mold'/dirt build up around door frames and gasket area of doors of the bain maries in kitchen and an accumulation of old dried grease residue and food debris under cook line, grills and fryer, and reach-in cooler area.

Dollar General Store #13791, 825 Park Road, Blandon , Dec. 29: one violation. Rear delivery door located in the storage room area of the food facility has a large gap at the bottom and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

Friendly Restaurant #7676, 3024a Penn Ave., West Lawn , Dec. 29: no violations.

Margherita's Pizzeria, 3600 Kutztown Road, Laureldale , Dec. 29: five violations. Observed ice machine equipment, in kitchen area, with an accumulation of dust, dirt, limescale debris on ledge above ice bin door and around sides on non-food contact surfaces. Air vent above basement pizza dough table is hanging loose exposing duct work and must be repaired. Meatballs, a food which was cooled, was only reheated to 110 F for hot holding and not 165F for 15 seconds as required. Corrected. Loose, torn rubber door gaskets observed on the freezer drawer cooling unit on the cook line. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in basement freezer walk-in area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.

Universal Mart/Sunoco, 3500 Kutztown Road, Laureldale , Dec. 29: no violations.

Fleetwood Fire Social Quarters, Franklin & Washington, Fleetwood , Dec. 24: no violations.

Chicken Supreme, 410 Penn Ave., West Reading , Dec. 23: one violation. Working container (spray bottle) in front area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

Hot Mess Express Commissary, 118 Skyline Drive, Reading , Dec. 23: no violations.

Hot Mess Express Mff4 (Xmm-8214), 118 Skyline Drive, Reading , Dec. 23: no violations.

New York Bagelry, 2720 Penn Ave., West Lawn , Dec. 23: four violations. Steel legs supporting warewashing equipment, in the sink area, are not smooth, non-absorbent, corrosion resistant. Heavily rusted legs under warewashing sink/table area. Cream cheese storage refrigerator has a heavy build up of old food debris in bottom of vent area. Observed deeply scored and creviced cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Vent pipe and hood over bagel pot has a heavy dust/dirt build up. Walk-in cooler has a build up of mold on walls and piping and also a dirt build up on floor under racks. Out of compliance.

Rite Aid #0290, 500 E Lancaster Ave., Shillington , Dec. 23: no violations.

Tony's Al Taglio, 449 Penn Ave. Rear, West Reading , Dec. 23: two violations. One set of lights is not shielded or shatterproof in the back area. Working container (spray bottle) in back area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery, 1245 Penn Ave., Wyomissing , Dec. 23: no violations.

Beansie's Cafe-mff3 Znm8829, 2957 Grandview Blvd., Reading , Dec. 22: no violations.

Domino's Pizza, 1350 Pottsville Pike, Shoemakersville , Dec. 22: one violation. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.

Dunkin Donuts Baskin Robbins, 1 Cheltenham Drive, Wyomissing , Dec. 22: four violations. There is an accumulation of dust/dirt on the fan cover in the small under counter refrigerator at the front counter. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperature of equipment are not available or readily accessible in two of the small under counter refrigerators - at the front counter and near the back area. Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the back area. Corrected. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the back area. Corrected.

Grube's Dairy, 233 Main St. , Shoemakersville , Dec. 22: no violations.

Let's Taco Bout It Mexican Grill, 616 Penn Ave., West Reading , Dec. 22: three violations. Working container (spray bottle) in front area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected. One set of lights is not shielded or shatterproof in the back kitchen area. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the small under counter refrigerator in the front area. Corrected.

Pizza Hut #037139, 4207 Perkiomen Ave., Reading , Dec. 22: two violations. The wall at the 3-compartment sink and the outside of the dishwasher have an accumulation of dirt and old food debris. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair - observed water leaking at the handwash sink in the front area.

Rite Aid #0467, 525 Penn Ave., West Reading , Dec. 22: no violations.

Boston Market #3605, 140 Wilderness Trail, Hamburg , Dec. 21: six violations. Food facility is using plastic wrap and bottle to repair the plumbing drain system under the 3 bay sink, which is not an approved material. Soda fountain hoses and hot water heater overflow have drain hoses/lines that are down in drain basins and do not have an air gap and could create a backflow hazard. The floor / wall juncture in rear door area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Broken floor tile at door and missing coving tile at door area. Loose rubber door gaskets observed on the front bain marie cooling unit and a gap at bottom of walk in freezer door causing ice build up around bottom of door. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair - observed warewashing sink drain line leaking under the sink. Rear door located in the storage room area of the food facility has a gap at the side and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

Hassler's Filling Station, 3200 Conrad Weiser Parkway , Womelsdorf , Dec. 21: no violations.

Masa Hibachi & Sushi, 2733 Papermill Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 21: one violation. Observed an accumulation of old food debris/dirt on the floor under the dry storage shelves at the end of the cooking line.

McDonalds #05917, 3400 Conrad Weiser Parkway , Womelsdorf , Dec. 21: three violations. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Ice coffee blender has an old splash residue build up around upper ring of mixer area and ice dispensing chute area. Front counter milk refrigerator has a condensate water build up on bottom and also wire racks in refrigerator have chipping peeling paint falling into refrigerator. Current frozen dessert test results were not available for review. Last test located was 3/5/20.

Outback Steakhouse #3919, 1101 Woodland Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 21: one violation. Observed an accumulation of dirt and old food debris along the edges of the floor throughout the kitchen and dry storage room.

Reading Liederkranz, 143 Spook Lane PO Box 4338 , Reading , Dec. 21: no violations.

Redner's Quick Shoppe #28, 6719 Bernville Road, Bernville , Dec. 21: no violations.

Ruby Tuesday #2946, 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 21: one violation. Some light bulbs in the kitchen area have the protective plastic tubing, but are missing the end caps.

Taco Bell #28527, 1199 A Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing , Dec. 21: no violations.

Schuylkill Valley Elementary School, 62 Ashley Way , Leesport , Dec. 18: no violations.

Schuylkill Valley High School, 929 Lake Shore Drive, Leesport , Dec. 18: no violations.

Schuylkill Valley Middle School, 114 Ontelaunee Drive, Leesport , Dec. 18: no violations.

Koziar's Christmas Village, 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville , Dec. 16: no violations.

Schaylor Brewing Company, 2390 Lancaster Ave., Reading , Dec. 16: four violations. Loose/torn rubber door gaskets observed on the kitchen bain marie cooling unit. Observed reach in beer refrigerator at bar and kitchen bain marie equipment with an accumulation of mold dirt, food residue, debris around door gaskets and door frames a non-food contact surfaces. Also floor in front of stand up freezer in kitchen has wet food debris residue build up. Plastic utensils used for cooking are chipped and misshapen and are not durable under normal use in the food facility. Corrected. Observed food stored in bar reach in with mixers, where it is subject to splash from ponding of condensate water on bottom of refrigerator.

Wawa Food Market #147, 2709 N. Meridian Blvd., Wyomissing , Dec. 16: no violations.

8899 Chinese Restaurant, 2605 Kutztown Road, Dec. 26: one violation. Shelled eggs (unpasteurized) were stored above RTE foods. Corrected on inspection and moved to lowest shelf.

Alebrije Mexican Restaurant, 3225 N. Fifth Street Highway, Dec. 26: one violation. Food in the cook's reach-in refrigerator stored open with no covering. Corrected on inspection.

New Happy Garden, 4447C N. Fifth Street Highway, Dec. 26: two violations.Container of raw chicken stored above a container of RTE food in walk-in refrigerator; corrected immediately. Food dispensing utensil in all bulk food containers observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food and the container. Observed in-use knives and /or cleavers stored between table edges or between tables, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized.

Holy Guardian Angels Regional School, 3125 Kutztown Road, Dec. 21: no violations.

Jersey Mike's Sub Shop, 3225 N. Fifth Street Highway, Dec. 18: one violation. Wall behind the bain marie, has a hole with loose receptacle case, and is in need of repair.

Route 61 Diner, 3455 Pottsville Pike, Dec. 18: three violations. Marinara sauce was held at 129.5 F, in the cook's area, rather than 135F or above as required. Corrected on inspection. Pans/equipment not stored inverted or covered. Clean food equipment stored while wet, and not draining and/or air-drying.

Emily Mini Market, 349 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: no violations.

La Union Mini Market 372087, 1004 Hampden Blvd., Dec. 21: no violations.

Loncheria Dona Tere, 800 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: 11 violations. Torn rubber door gaskets observed on the bain marie in the kitchen area. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the kitchen area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the kitchen area. Personal items were observed in the counter and kitchen area, and not stored in dressing rooms or identified storage area as required. The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Food storage containers, in the cooler area, are not labeled with the common name of the food. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Handwash sink in the kitchen is not operable. Food found to be uncovered in the walk-in cooler appearing discolored and dried out. Gloves were not available for employee use. General unsanitary conditions exist on all food contact surfaces. Entire facility not cleaned at a frequency to prevent the build up of dirt and dust. Out of compliance.

Nino And Sons Pizza, 301 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: no violations.

Shomper's Exxon A5210140, 1014 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: no violations.

11th & Marion Mini Store, 1101 Marion St., Dec. 18: no violations.

A Plus Mini Market A5208420, 844 N. 13th St., Dec. 18: one violation. The handwash sink does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device.

Singh Market, 928 N. 13th St., Dec. 18: no violations.

Turkey Hill #54 A5204250, 425 N. 13th St., Dec. 18: one violation. Several containers of milk in the cooler for sale to the public past the sell-by date.

The following reports for the period of Dec. 2 to Dec. 15, 2020, were added to the state's database after Dec. 17 and did not appearinthe previous Berks food safety report.

CVS #05065, 8565 Allentown Pike, Blandon , Dec. 15: one violation. All customer reach-in refrigerators and freezer in front area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning. Exterior front vents and door gasket areas have heavy dust & dirt build up.

Dunkin Donuts #355023, 2 Penn Ave., Robesonia , Dec. 15: one violation. Observed bags of ice food stored directly on the floor in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Observed shelf of various food stored in walk-in cooler area, where it is subject to splash from condensate water dripping off of pipe above shelf.

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 8448 Allentown Pike, Blandon , Dec. 15: three violations. Flooring in walk in cooler at freezer door is buckled and must be repaired. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required.

Family Dollar Store #11484, 1 W. Penn Ave., Wernersville , Dec. 15: no violations.

Giant Food Store #6446, 4655 Perkiomen Ave., Reading , Dec. 15: four violations. Some of the sprayer nozzles in the produce display area were not clean to sight and touch. Corrected. Two handwash sinks in the deli area do not have single use towels. Corrected. Spray bottle of water in the bakery area is not labeled to identify the contents. Corrected. Condenser fan covers in the deli and dairy walk-in coolers have an accumulation of dust/dirt.

Hissho Sushi @ Giant #6446, 4655 Perkiomen Ave., Reading , Dec. 15: no violations.

Klinger's On Carsonia, 721 Carsonia Ave., Reading , Dec. 15: no violations.

Sunoco Robesonia, 159 W. Penn Ave., Robesonia , Dec. 15: two violations. Food Facility has packaged premade sandwich foods which is not labeled properly as required. Food Facility Person in Charge not able to provide documentation that premade sandwich foods are from an approved source. Sandwiches disposed of.

Friendly Restaurant #7675, 400 N. Park Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 14: two violations. Food Facility has packaged premade sandwich foods which is not labeled properly as required. Food Facility Person in Charge not able to provide documentation that premade sandwich foods are from an approved source. Sandwiches disposed of.

Giant Food #6050, 2641 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring , Dec. 14: six violations. Loose caulking observed hanging from the underside of the produce ice machine where the ice drops into bins. A temperature measuring device for monitoring the mechanical sanitizing water temperatures is not available. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Bottom of broccoli storage case has a sludge/stagnant water build up and top shelf has a slime build up along front of shelf. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Stagnant ponding of water and debris/trash build up behind ice machine in the produce prep room. Produce and bakery walk in cooler fan area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning. Food facility has no record or knowledge of the last draining, cleaning and sanitizing the water reservoir, including tubing and nozzles, for the produce fogger.

Little Caesars, 3580 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 14: one violation. Spray hose for warewashing sink is leaking at the top. New faucet on site to repair today. Also hand sink in rear has a loose hot water faucet that is broke and also on site for repair today.

Plaza Azteca Wyomissing, 955 Woodland Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 14: three violations. Small scoop being stored in the ice bin at the kitchen soda unit with handle buried beneath the ice. Corrected. Food items were held at 48 (shrimp) and 50 (mixed vegetables) F, in two of the bain marie units at the cooking line, rather than 41F or below as required. Items were removed from the walk-in cooler and placed in these units this morning around 10 am. Items will be disposed of before 2 pm. The manager called for service on these units and a service technician will be arriving today. Units may not be used until they can hold foods at proper temperature. A working container of cleaner was stored on a tray with spice containers in the kitchen area. Corrected.

Subway #10484, 2677 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring , Dec. 14: three violations. Wall around mop sink area has a mold/soil build up and bottom of sink has dirt/soil accumulation. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Soda fountain has a mold residue build up next to the ice chute dispensing area. The floor / wall juncture in mop sink area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Missing coving tile at rear doorway next to mop sink.

Tasker's Beer Barn, 6520 Perkiomen Ave., Birdsboro , Dec. 14: no violations.

Tokyo Hibachi & Bar, 960 Woodland Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 14: no violations.

Cushion Peak Rod & Gun Club, 180 Vinemont Road, Reinholds , Dec. 11: no violations.

Dairy Queen #10296, 4399 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 11: three violations. Plastic utensils used for cooking are deformed/ripped and misshapen and are not durable under normal use in the food facility. Corrected. The floor / wall juncture in hand sink area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Loose coving tile below hand sink. Old date labels and label residue on clean containers on dishrack and food containers in reach in refrigerator.

Dunkin Donuts, 3818 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 11: one violation. Ceiling vent, ceiling tiles around vent, wall at sandwich station, and hood vent area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning.

Family Dollar Store #28494, 3564 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 11: no violations.

Fiore Ristorante Italiano Bar & Pizzeria, 401 Main St., Shoemakersville , Dec. 11: one violation. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.

Moss Wines, 510 Bertolet Mill Road, Oley , Dec. 11: no violations.

Stokesay Castle, 141 Stokesay Castle Lane, Reading , Dec. 11: one violation. Loose rubber door gaskets observed on the True refrigeration unit at the left end of the cooking line.

Stopper's, 6421 Perkiomen Ave., Birdsboro , Dec. 11: no violations.

Sweet Beginnings, 43 E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown , Dec. 11: two violations. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Facility does not have a current frozen dessert test for soft serve machines.

Dairy Queen #13176, 820 Kenhorst Plaza, Kenhorst , Dec. 10: two violations. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Facility does not have a current frozen dessert test for soft serve machines.

New York Bagelry, 150 Kenhorst Plaza, Shillington , Dec. 10: seven violations. Observed heavy dust and dirt build up on underside of top level of bagel mold conveyor belt above food area of bottom belt and must be cleaned more frequently. Working containers hanging on food shelf area, used for storing *chemicals, cleaners* taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Discarded. A working container of *cleaner / sanitizer* was stored above or on the same shelf with food, equipment, and/or single service articles in the bagel shelf area. Corrected. Single-use plastic containers without a handle are being used as scoops in cornmeal, flour etc. Observed heavy food product residue build up on inside of containers with cinnamon sugar for bagels. Containers should be changed out more frequently. Also bagel table cutting board is deeply grooved and must be replaced. Observed plastic bins in bagel mixing area, with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Handles of flour, cornstarch bins full of old crumbs and food product. Threshold of walk In freezer is lifted up allowing a build up of food product to get underneath.

No. 1 Chinese Restaurant, 160 Kenhorst Plaza, Shillington , Dec. 10: no violations.

Screpesi Sandwich Shop, 1365 Alleghenyville Road, Mohnton , Dec. 10: no violations.

Swatty Creek Farm, 7725 Lancaster Ave., Myerstown , Dec. 03: one violation. Labels for honey do not contain the original source. (Not from this facility).

5th Street Diner, 5340 Allentown Pike, Dec. 12: five violations. Food dispensing utensil in panko/bread crumbs observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food. Corrected on inspection. Silver three-door reach-in refrigerator was 40.8 degrees F. Upon opening door, temperature rose to >45 degrees F., and did not activate compressor until temperature rose to 47.0 degrees F, at which point it activated and dropped to <41 degrees F. Requires attention to confirm compressor activation at lower temperature. Food placed into another cooler, until corrected/replaced (per owner plan). Commercially processed ready-to-eat food, located in the walk-in refrigerator and held more than 48 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened. Food employee observed storing clean food equipment while wet, and not allowing time for draining and/or air-drying. Cook's refrigerator gaskets soiled.

A Plus Sunoco 344155, 719 Spring St., Dec. 15: one violation. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink to remind food employees to wash their hands. The handwash sink does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device.

Eli's Corner, 146 Oley St., Dec. 15: four violations. Filters are missing from the ventilation hood. Sanitizer tablets were not available st the 3 compartment sink. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the to remind food employees to wash their hands. The handwash sink in the area does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device. The handwash sink was blocked and not accessible at all times for employee use.

Rocky's Pizza 66604450, 445 Spring St., Dec. 15: no violations.

Turkey Hill #120 66605010, 501 Spring St., Dec. 15: one violation. Two containers of milk were in the cooler for sale to the public past the sell- by date.

Excerpt from:
Berks food safety inspections December 16 to December 29, 2020: Two places were out of compliance, one for general unsanitary conditions - Reading...

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL Following the success of a similar event in October, the Village of Arlington Heights is hosting a virtual town hall Thursday on an initiative regarding the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion project. All members of the community are invited to the event slated to start at 7 p.m.

"We look forward to hearing about your experiences, perceptions and expectations regarding this project, sharing an update on our progress thus far, and planning our next steps as we continue to sustain a welcoming community for all," organizers said in a press release.

No pre-registration is necessary and the meeting will accommodate up to 100 participants. If residents cannot attend the session, it will be recorded and available for viewing on the Village's website.

This event will be facilitated by the Kaleidoscope Group. Representatives of the Village, school districts and other local government agencies will be in attendance.

According to data, 81.7 percent of the Arlington Heights community is white only and 92.2 percent of the Village staff. One of the Village Board's Strategic Priorities since 2019, according to its website, is to "Find new ways to embrace diversity within the Community and Village Government."

To achieve this strategic priority, the Village Board unanimously approved a contract in September with the Kaleidoscope Group, a consultant group experienced in diversity, equity, and inclusion, based out of Chicago.

To learn more about the Village's initiative, check out the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion project page here.

To Participate in the Virtual Town Hall Meeting:7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3

Or iPhone one-tap : +13126266799,,86391706933# or +19294362866,,86391706933#

Or Telephone:US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 863 9170 6933

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Diversity Town Hall Planned For Thursday In Arlington Heights - Patch.com

Holiday Books, Movies and MoreLooking to get into the holiday spirit? Check out the book and movie lists we've compiled - these books and movies will bring you feelings of comfort and joy in no time!

Holiday Books

Holiday Movies

Best of 2020 Book ListsNot sure what book to read next? Check out our Best of 2020 book lists - our very own Readers Advisors have put together their own lists just for you!

Favorite Things: Best of 2020 Edition

Wednesday, December 16, 7-7:45 p.m. / Live on Zoom / Register

Join AHML staff as we share our favorite books, movies and music of 2020 and discuss what we're looking forward to in 2021. Grab your favorite beverage and meet advisors, librarians and collection pros who can help bulk up your to-read, watch, and listen lists. Then share your own favorite things from 2020 with us in the discussion that follows.

This press release was produced by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.

The rest is here:
Arlington Heights Library: Get Into The Holiday Spirit With Books, Movies And More - Patch.com

Patient isolation rooms must be terminally cleaned following each patients transfer or discharge from the hospital; including removing all detachable objects in the room and cleaning everything from the ceiling (lighting and air duct surfaces) down to the floor.

Courtesy of Ultralife

Effective decontamination and sterilization of hospital wards and bathrooms are essential in reducing the risk of cross-infection. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic when we consider that there are just nine critical care beds per 100,000 people in the UK.

Eric Lind, vice-president of commercial operations and business development at global battery manufacturer Ultralife, discusses the vital role robotics play in sterilization and what to consider when choosing a power supply.

Public Health England, as well as other organizations spanning the UK and Ireland, recently published joint guidance for COVID-19 infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. In particular, patient isolation rooms must be terminally cleaned following each patients transfer or discharge from the hospital; including removing all detachable objects in the room and cleaning everything from the ceiling (lighting and air duct surfaces) down to the floor. It is a time consuming and, in light of the current pandemic, dangerous task.

A study from Duke Medicine showed that enhanced cleaning strategies, such as using portable ultraviolet (UV) machines, can kill drug and cleaning-resistant organisms and demonstrated that these techniques can make meaningful differences in patient outcomes. These UV light technologies have been used for decades in water and air purification, but combining them with autonomous robots is a recent but much needed development.

The robots emit UV-C light, a type of ultraviolet light that is not found on earth, unlike UV-A and UV-B which are well-known to cause sunburn. Therefore, viruses and bacteria are not immune to UV-C. When this type of ultraviolet light shines onto germs, it attacks their DNA, so they cannot infect another person.

To emit UV-C light, a typical sterilization robot incorporates a disinfection lamp with an accumulated intensity of 250 to 280 uv/cm2 and a coverage radius of six to eight meters. The lamp is connected to either a main powered mobile cart on wheels, which staff have to move from room to room or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

AMRs are similar to AGVs (automated guided vehicles) in a warehouse, autonomously navigating around buildings for most of the day, every day. They are therefore reliant on batteries as the main source of power. The power demands on the battery are particularly high due to the disinfection lamp, which may need to be recharged every few hours.

Therefore, AMR batteries are usually recharged in the same way that AGV batteries are. The robots are self-aware of how much power they have left and, when the battery is running low, they automatically navigate to a charging station to recharge.

Usually, in AMRs, the battery is used as a ballast to keep the centre of balance low, but the weight must not be enough to inhibit mobility. This means that the strength and weight of the battery, as well as long run time and fast charge time, are key requirements in this application. Traditionally, sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries have been used in applications with similar requirements.

Today, however, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) tend to favor replacing SLA batteries with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) alternatives, as they are three times lighter for the same energy. Available in a variety of weights, if ballast is a requirement, they can also offer higher energy than SLA if required. For example, Ultralifes range of 12.8 V LiFePO4 batteries goes from a 1.10 Kg battery, offering 7.5 Ah (96 Wh) to a 13.90 Kg battery, offering 100 Ah (1.28 kWh).

If voltages of up to 28.8 V are required, Ultralifes legendary range of military 2590 rechargeable lithium-ion smart batteries may be better suited. When operating at this voltage, the UBBL13-01 can offer up to 10 Ah (288 Wh) at a weight of 1.38 Kg. Selected 2590 batteries, including the UBBL13-01, are also fully compliant with System Management Bus (SMBus) and Smart Battery System (SBS) specifications, which means they can be quickly integrated into compatible robots or smart chargers.

Both 2590 and LiFePO4 ranges encompass a diverse collection of batteries to allow robot manufacturers to select the voltage, weight and energy they need. This is not only an advantage to fully autonomous robots but also mains powered, mobile cart versions, which may use batteries to communicate data back to the end users computers (rather than powering the lamp itself).

While we have covered the basic types of disinfection robots here, each manufacturer provides slight variations of features to differentiate from competitors. Ultralife recognizes this and can work closely with design engineers to understand how the battery and charger will function in their specific sterilization robot, to create a bespoke portable power solution.

UV-C robots play an important role in the fight against COVID-19, with studies suggesting that 99.9 percent of coronaviruses can be killed when exposed to far-UVC light. Batteries fulfill the equally important functions of powering the robot or transmitting data back to the user. Therefore, selecting the battery that meets the robots power and weight requirements is vital to ensuring a smooth and successful operation.

About Ultralife: A global corporation headquartered in Newark, New York, Ultralife has extensive North American as well as international operations in Europe, China and India. Through strategic growth and acquisitions, the corporation has expanded beyond its commercial and military battery business to include custom engineering design and services, tactical communications systems and a wide range of power accessories for global government and defense markets.

See the article here:
Robots leading the fight against COVID-19 infections - SecurityInfoWatch

ST. CHARLES, Ill., Dec. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --As a growing chorus of health authorities point to aerosols as a key transmission route for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and as the U.S. rapidly sets new records for coronavirus cases, Aerapy, LLC, announced today that its ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology achieved up to a 99.97% reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen in the air, in one air pass, in independent laboratory testing. Aerapy UV also achieved a 99.98% reduction on surfaces in two seconds (99.99% in three seconds). Results were achieved with proper installation and utilizing Aerapy's proprietary sizing method. Because the company did a live air pass test, Aerapy's results are unique among other UV laboratory studies of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation that perform simulated passes.

"As we learn more about how COVID-19 spreads, the experts increasingly agree that airborne transmission and aerosolization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus plays a much greater role than what was believed by many at the start of this pandemic," said Annette Uda, founder and president of Aerapy. "This is why we did not test just on surfaces, we tested against SARS-CoV-2 in the air where Aerapy UV reduced the pathogen up to 99.97%."

The third-party testing, conducted at the laboratories of Innovative Bioanalysis in Costa Mesa, Calif., utilized Aerapy UV equipment designed for HVAC systems where air passes across the Aerapy device, which harnesses the power of UV-C to deactivate bacteria, mold, and viruses in the air. The testing firm conducted an actual single pass of air test showing what would happen in a quarter or half second of time. This latest testing against SARS-CoV-2 joins the company's previous independent laboratory testing against pathogens including MRSA, enterovirus, and MS2 bacteriophage, all of which also showed a greater than 99.9% reduction.

"During these winter months, as we increasingly gather indoors and as cases surge, science points to a multipronged strategy that includes addressing SARS-CoV-2 in the air, as well as on surfaces," said Uda. "Aerapy's UV disinfecting technology is designed for a variety of indoor environments including restaurants, healthcare and first responder facilities, schools and municipal buildings, places of worship, gyms, and more, that need help now and as all businesses plan for the future."

The independent testing against SARS-CoV-2 was conducted in a chamber constructed at the laboratory and designed to mimic an indoor environment with HVAC in place. More details on the performed SARS-CoV-2 testing and information on additional studies, including a recently published three-year retrospective field study at an animal shelter where Aerapy's UV equipment was found to significantly decrease upper respiratory infections, are available from Aerapy at http://aerapy.com.

About Aerapy, LLCSince 2008, the Aerapy team has manufactured researched, tested, and study-backed UV equipment. Aerapy's in-duct UV equipment for HVAC systems offers true air cleaning capability, as well as coil cleaning, while standalone upper air UV units, such as the company's patented Zone360, offer the same pathogen kill rate for buildings that need immediate targeted pathogen load reduction or for those without HVAC looking to add airflow and reduce pathogens. Aerapy UV does not produce harmful ozone and equipment can be installed in new buildings or retrofitted into existing facilities.For more information on Aerapy, a certified women-owned business, visit http://aerapy.com.

Media Contact:Beverly Cambron512-673-0072260539@email4pr.com

Link:
Study Shows More Than 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 Inactivated in the Air and on Surfaces by Aerapy UV - Newsbug.info

In the upcoming research study on the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market by Future Market Insights (FMI) is a valuable source of information for market players vying to establish a strong foothold in the current Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market landscape. The detailed assessment of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market offers domestic as well as international market players a clear picture of the prospective growth opportunities in various geographies.

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused a slowdown in business activities of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market. With the help of our upcoming report, market players can gain important insights on alternative strategies that can help in revenue generation. Learn which countries are flourishing amidst the Coronavirus era and how your product offerings can reach the right target consumer. The leading factors that are likely to impact the growth of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market over the assessment period are thoroughly analyzed in the report.

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Various Segments of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals Market Evaluated in the Report:

On the basis of application process, the global air duct cleaning chemicals market can be segmented as:

On the basis of application, the global air duct cleaning chemicals market can be segmented as:

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis chapter of the report sheds light on the major developments of the prominent players operating in the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market. The report provides information related to the recent mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and other strategic alliances within the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market. Further, the pricing, sales, promotional, and marketing strategies of each company are enclosed in the report.

Prominent players profiled in the report:

In-depth Analysis on How Businesses Can Bounce Back from COVID-19 Crisis https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/353033

Important queries addressed in the report:

Crucial data that can be drawn from the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market report:

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Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals Market to Suffer Slight Decline in 2020, Efforts to Mitigate Coronavirus-related Disruptions Ramp Up - The Think Curiouser

NORRISTOWN Montgomery County Commissioners authorized more than $2.7 million worth of contracts last week as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues, and the county prepares for an unprecedented voting turnout in the Nov. 3 General Election.

Of the seven new and amended agreements that were presented during last Thursdays Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting, the contract between the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety and Motorola Solutions Inc., of Chicago, tops the list as the most expensive, coming in at a whopping $1,991,234.40.

The nearly $2 million agreement covers the upgrade of over-the-air management of all APX subscriber radios on the new public radio system used by public safety staff, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, the contract states.

This radio system upgrade will eliminate the person-to-person, or person-to-device, contact that is necessary to make radio programming changes, the contract states.

A $450,000 contract with multiple providers covers temporary staffing services required to answer the high volume of telephone calls related to the 2020 general election.

The six-figure contract is between the countys Office of Voter Services and the following firms.

As for the potential for high volume of calls, the countys voter services office cited the relocation of polling places and increased requests for mail-in ballots.

A previously approved contract between the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and INX Indoor Air Quality, of Exton was amended during last weeks meeting.

Officials authorized another $189,040 for the suburban company to provide for air duct cleaning services for the prisons heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system as the services and equipment [were] determined to be necessary outside of the original estimated project costs, according to the contract amendment.

The contract figure now stands at $494,040.

A $43,471 agreement between the countys IT department and New Era Technology of Islandia, N.Y., provides for additional SIP core licenses for the countys remote workforce.

The commissioners approved several contracts dealing with the Montgomery County Office of Health and Human Services.

An additional $15,000 was authorized for influenza vaccination scheduling services. The initial agreement between the county health department and HMFDF Inc. dba Solv Health, of San Francisco, is now valued at $42,000.

A $25,398 agreement with Safeware Inc., of Lanham, Md., covers disposable gloves for health workers at the countys area COVID-19 testing sites. According to the contracts, the gloves were made available through a U.S. Communities Cooperative Contract

Additionally, a $12,000 contract with TJ Billing Company of Lafayette Hill provides for insurance claim submission services for COVID[-19] tests for the [Montgomery County] Office of Public Health.

According to the contract, the rates must not exceed $6.75 for new tests and $8.20 for previous tests, and the amendment provides for set-up with eight insurance carriers to enable electronic billing.

The next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 29.

Read more here:
Montgomery County approves $2.7M in contracts related to pandemic and election - The Reporter

OAK FOREST, IL An early voting kick off event will take place at the Oak Forest City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave. on Monday, Oct. 19. The event begins at 8 a.m.

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D-6th) is hosting the suburban Cook early voting kick-off event, with Mayor Henry Kuspa, Dana London from Cook County Clerk's office, Karen Wingfield-Bond, Clerk-Village of Lynwood, and Joan Klarich from the League of Women Voters Palos Orland League.

"The most fundamental right in a democracy is the right to vote." Miller said. "Let us not forget that not all citizens were afforded that right in this country, rather it took decades of struggle to attain that right, and we must never take it for granted."

"I'm reminded of the late great Civil Rights Leader, Voting Rights Champion and Congressman John Lewis who said, 'The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it,'" Miller said.

For inquiries and to confirm attendance, email:

Continue reading here:
Stroll To The Polls Event At Oak Forest City Hall - Oak Forest, IL Patch