Preparing for the Next COVID-19 Wave

Monday, March 21, 2022: An Early Morning Update

As of 5:30 AM on this Monday morning, the East Coast remains relatively calm in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, while the Omicron wave has severely impacted East Asia and the European Union, the United States has yet to experience similar levels of disruption. Experts warn, though, that it is only a matter of time before the BA.2 variant triggers a new surge in cases here.

Rising Concerns Over BA.2: A Twitter Thread Analysis

One of today’s main stories comes from a detailed Twitter thread by Myoung Cha, who runs a home-based healthcare system. His 24-tweet thread raises serious alarms about the potential seventh wave of COVID-19, driven by the BA.2 variant. The situation is dire, and it is crucial that we plan our responses accordingly.

The Urgent Need for Continued COVID-19 Response Funding

As the threat of BA.2 looms, the need for continued funding of COVID-19 pandemic response efforts becomes even more critical. In a recent piece, I emphasized the importance of maintaining these funds to combat future outbreaks effectively. Shannon Pettypiece and Sahil Kapur of NBC News have also highlighted the strategic blunders of the Biden administration’s “Return to Normal” plan, which could exacerbate the situation if left unaddressed.

The Role of Hospitals in Preventing Cross Infections

One of the pressing concerns during this pandemic has been the safety of hospitals, where cross infections of COVID-19 and other superbugs like MRSA can occur. Hospitals should have already implemented advanced disinfection systems, particularly UV light systems, to protect patients and healthcare workers. Unfortunately, many facilities have not yet adopted these crucial technologies, making hospitals a dangerous place for long-term care.

Far-UVC Technology: The Most Effective Tool Against COVID-19

In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, one of the most effective and safest methods is the use of far-UVC 222nm technology. Care222® is a new disinfecting light source that neutralizes bacteria and viruses without harming human or animal skin and eyes. This technology operates similarly to conventional UV sanitizers but without the associated risks.

How Care222® Works

Care222® can be installed in high locations, such as on ceilings, to irradiate entire rooms and eliminate a wide variety of viruses and bacteria both in the air and on surfaces. The system uses an excimer lamp, a mercury-free UV light source developed by Ushio, which emits monochromatic ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 222 nm. Paired with a special optical bandpass filter, it only allows safe UV wavelengths to pass through, ensuring that people are not exposed to harmful radiation.

Ushio holds the exclusive rights to this technology, which was patented by Columbia University in 2012. My Lumens’ Artemis Far-UVC Disinfection Devices are equipped with the Care222® module, providing a reliable solution for continuous disinfection in occupied spaces.

Key Features of My Lumens Artemis Far-UVC Devices

  1. Customized Solutions: Products are developed flexibly to meet the diverse needs of various markets.
  2. Ceiling Installation: These devices are designed for ceiling installation, seamlessly integrating into the environment without disrupting the space’s aesthetic.
  3. Ease of Installation: The installation process is simple, reducing costs and making the technology accessible to a broader range of applications.
  4. Eye-Friendly Design: Using MCPET, developed by Furukawa, these devices offer indirect lighting that reduces eye fatigue, enhancing comfort for people in the area.

Conclusion: Care222® – A Safe and Effective Disinfection Solution

As we prepare for the potential next wave of COVID-19, it’s clear that technologies like Care222® are essential in creating safer public spaces. By providing continuous disinfection that is harmless to humans, Care222® and My Lumens Artemis Far-UVC Devices offer a powerful tool in our ongoing efforts to combat this pandemic and protect public health.