Australians with a disability most vulnerable, as new CSIRO research confirms COVID-19 can be detected on surfaces like wheelchair wheels for up to 30 days.
New research published by the CSIRO has found that COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can remain infectious for significantly longer time periods than was previously considered possible – up to 30 days in some instances.
Wheelchair users touch their wheels more than 1000 times per day – exposing them to multiple germs and pathogens and making them some of the most vulnerable people during the pandemic. In addition to this, many people with a disability have reduced immunity and often struggle to spatially distance if they require support to assist with daily living.
Imagine a wheelchair user touches a surface that’s contaminated with COVID-19, they then continue to push on throughout their day, and with each push – they transfer more of the virus onto their hands, their phone, and then onto each and every surface they come into contact with.
Push Mobility is committed to ensuring that all Australians with a disability have access to quality sanitiser products to keep them safe during these uncertain times.
“The challenge now is how do we keep people safe as we return to work. This virus is tougher than we originally thought, and we need to ensure that we are continually protecting ourselves and others. Businesses need to consider the safety of all their customers and staff as offices begin to re-open. As a wheelchair user myself, I know firsthand about the additional vulnerability that people with a disability have to germs. Using Wheely Sanitisers, gives me more confidence to leave the house, knowing that I am protected longer. One application kills germs instantly, and the antimicrobial technology keeps killing for up to 24 hours on skin and 30 days on surfaces.” said Push Mobility’s Managing Director Shane Hryhorec.
People with disabilities in wheelchairs are more vulnerable to the virus in a number of places such as public transport, the supermarket, public toilets. Once restrictions are lifted, Mr Hyrhorec says people with disabilities will need protection as they return to work, where wheelchair users are touching surfaces more than most. He says Wheely Surface spray and Wheely Hand will provide confidence for anyone who is concerned about coming into contact with the virus.
“I’m scared to think what kind of germs and bacteria are on my wheels at any moment,” said Tom Barbour, an active wheelchair user struggling with COVID restrictions. “I accept that I am at high risk of COVID-19 because I use a wheelchair, but just wants to get on with my life.”
Since launching Wheely Hand and Wheely Surface in March, these proven virus destroyers have been incredibly popular. People are using these products with their families and sharing them with friends and co-workers. With a water-based, alcohol-free formula, Wheely Sani products are gentle on skin and tough on germs.
Mums are using it on their kids hands and feet before they head off to daycare and school, providing them with the reassurance that their little ones are protected for 24 hours, sports clubs and gyms are using Wheely Surface to keep equipment germ-free for 30 days and essential workers are utilising the long-lasting protection that these products provide.
Push Mobility is now looking to partner with like-minded businesses, who appreciate that not all sanitisers are created equal, and want to ensure that the PPE they provide to staff, and customers is accessible and of a high quality.
About Wheely Hand and Wheely Surface:
● Wheely Hand and Wheely Surface have been successfully tested against the COVID-19 Surrogate at >99.99% effectiveness, in over 100 labs worldwide.
● Our sanitisers kill germs and viruses instantly and creates a microbial shield layer (Z-71) which protects hands for 24 hours (Wheely Hand) and surfaces for 30 days (Wheely surface).
● Unlike traditional sanitisers that kill bacteria by poison or high alcohol content, Wheely Hand and Wheely Surface use Zoono’s unique antimicrobial technology, once dry, the Zoono molecule represents a layer of microscopic pins that attract, pierce and kill pathogens – the same principle as a pin popping a balloon.
● Wheely Hand / Surface are water-based and alcohol-free, keeping hands protected from drying, cracking, cuts and infection does not dry skin and importantly remains effective even after hand-washing, suitable for children and sensitive skin.
How biotechnology protects people with disabilities
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities have been labeled one of the most at-risk. More than 4.4.-million Australians are living with a disability, 10% require a mobility aid for their day-to-day life and over 200,000 are in a wheelchair (who touch their chairs more than 1000 times per day). Many people with a disability rely on carers and support workers for daily activities and tasks – the constant flow of people coming and going from their homes poses additional risks. Wheely Surface spray and Wheely Hand will provide confidence for anyone who is concerned about encountering the virus.
About Push Mobility
Push Mobility is a disability equipment company established in 2013 providing wheelchairs, medical aides, and equipment. Most of the staff have a personal connection to disability. Their aim is to help the community by providing exciting cutting-edge disability equipment that enriches the lives of our community. Push Mobility are currently operating as usual and are still focusing on providing essential services for people with disabilities to keep them mobile and independent even during COVID. In 2016 Push Mobility launched Accessible Beaches (a matting system that makes beaches accessible for people with disabilities in wheelchairs).
