Teesside International Airport (MME) in England is testing a new biological threat detection system for detecting coronavirus in the air, developed by detection technology supplier Kromek.
The system can trace levels of Covid-19 within 30 minutes.
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This solution can be installed in shops, lobbies as well as on other public sites.
By drawing large volumes of air at 400l per minute, the new system examines the biological content of the air.
Thereafter, the collected air is tested to trace the presence of coronavirus.
The aim is to help minimise the exposure to Covid-19 and control the spread of localised outbreaks by detecting the virus particles before people show any symptoms.
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By GlobalDataKromek CEO Dr Arnab Basu said: “The device we are trialling is the only technology of its kind which can autonomously detect the presence of Covid-19 from huge areas.
“The technology has the capacity to deliver near-real-time monitoring of the presence and prevalence of the virus, enabling a return to normal life.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Kromek is a ground-breaking company that has adapted what it does best to develop this system in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re delighted Teesside is not just one of the first airports, but one of the first buildings, to be trialling this new detector, which could be a real game-changer.”
In January, Kromek received $1.74m (£1.25m) from Innovate UK to advance its solution for the automated detection of airborne viruses, including Covid-19.
Earlier this month, Teesside Airport unveiled its terminal following the completion of a multimillion-pound redevelopment project.
Notably, 92% of all terminal enhancements, including design, electrical work, construction and renovations, were executed by local companies.
