Bangkok’s premier department stores, The Emporium and Emquartier, have introduced innovative Em-Auto Sanitizing Gates to reassure visitors of their safety from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The gates are tunnels that spray those entering with a disinfectant only three microns in size, which can penetrate clothing to coat different surfaces, while not threatening human health. Children under one year of age and pregnant women nonetheless should not undergo the treatment.
The gates were introduced in February alongside thermos-scanning. Both preventative measures are to stay in place until the COVID-19 situation is resolved.
Inside the malls, areas for ordering takeaway food have been set up, while their supermarkets remain open.
The disinfectant tunnel joins the Faculty of Engineering at Thammasat University’s “Tham-Robot” as innovations borne of the COVID-19 pandemic. The robot is the world’s first designed to shuttle medication and medical equipment throughout a hospital. It has been deployed at Thammasat University Rangsit Campus’ field hospital and promotes social distancing between humans by allowing for remote operation. More are being produced to aid other hospitals.