Airport Authority has introduced a full-body disinfection channel facility at Hong Kong international airport, the first airport around the world to have introduced such a facility.

People using the facility will have a temperature check before entering an enclosed channel for the 40-second disinfection and sanitizing procedures.

The interior surface of the channel is equipped with antimicrobial coating which can remotely kill virus and bacteria on human bodies and clothing by using the technologies of photocatalyst and “nano needles”. Sanitizing spray is also applied for instant disinfection.

The channel is kept under negative pressure to prevent cross-contamination between the outside and inside environment.

Currently, the facility is designated for use by staff who take part in public health and quarantine duties at the airport in relation to arriving passengers.

Meanwhile, the authority is conducting a pilot test of applying antimicrobial coating at all passenger facilities. An invisible coating to destroy germs, bacteria and viruses is applied to high-touch surfaces in the terminal, including handles and seats of Automated People Movers and passenger buses, smart check-in kiosks and check-in counters, toilets, seating area in the terminal, baggage trolleys, elevator buttons, and more.

After completion of the trial in May, the authority will consider implementing it as a long term disinfection measure.