OK so yesterday the Lidl Ireland antigen test hit the shelves and it was pretty much a welcome move until NPHET and Dr Tony Holohan jumped in and said do not rely on the test which is fine however if people are using them is it not good to be a bit more proactive here but also noting these do not give you a free pass. I can see his point and it is valid to some degree but these tests are out there in other shape or form and already in use and I went a bought the one in question you might see some other talk on these and they look different but after posting on Twitter my DMs went off asking about the test, this is not a review or a clickbait dummies guide or “how to” do the test but we go through the package and show you what is involved all is clearly written in the contents and many want to see what the test actually looks like and what is in the package this is all new to us remember..
There is two types of testing out there today and they are Antigen and PCR and PCR being the more accurate of the two and the Antigen test can be done at home without the need to send it off and wait for your results to come back if anything it reminds you of a pregnancy test. The kit can be bought in Lidl at the checkout area for €25 which is not bad and you get 5 tests in the package.
I done the test and it took around 20 mins in total to complete and is not invasive although it might be uncomfortable for some. Given this is a rapid test I do see the point of NPHET telling us not to purchase such as some might think it is a ticket to roam about the place as if nothing is going on but being proactive does no harm either and gives you an extra layer of comfort knowing if all is ok, Is Dr Holohan being the Lidl version of Dr Phil here? Many will argue yes some will not. Anyhow keep following the guidelines and stay safe and also check out the KYMIRA MASK we recently checked out. Finally Whatever results your get in the test you should follow the government guidelines.
The KYMIRA K-Mask, with the integrated Nanofibre K-Filter, is designed to protect you from viruses, bacteria and environmental particulates, with a 99.6% filtration efficiency is that is rated as one of the best in the world. Looking to help during the pandemic, KYMIRA researched and adjusted one of its existing technologies, it’s electrospun nanofiber material, with partner Radical Fibres. Having being asked to test many masks over the last few months I simply refused to work with most of the brands as they where unknown to me and we only work with brands we are aware of and having used this mask for a few days it certainly is one to check out, read about the mask below for more and check the video.
The Nanofiber K-filter:
Using a triple sandwich layer, nanofiber combination, the K-filters have been designed as a reusable, world class filter that will protect you and those around you.
Layer 1: Nanofibres capture viruses, bacteria and pollutants via electrostatic attraction
Layer 2: Activated carbon layer for environmental pollutants
Layer 3: Nanofibres capture viruses, bacteria and pollutants via electrostatic attraction.
The filters have been independently tested to ASTM F2100, ASTM FT101 and EN 1486 standards, certifying the 99.6% filtration rating*. The K-Filter offer its protection for 200 hours and for particles as small as 0.03microns. The effectiveness of the filtration level is due to this microscopic level of protection offered by the electrospun nanofibers, that ionically attract the particles before trapping them within the filter layers. To contextualise this, the Covid-19 virus has a particle micron size of 0.06 -0.5 and bacteria has a particle size of 0.3 microns. Healthcare workers on the front line have so far been using N95 rated masks that have a particulate protection size of 0.3 microns; so the wearer can feel confident in their protection when using the K-Filter.
The nanofibers within the K-Filter are made from biocompatible hydrophobic material which are elastic and electrostatic, meaning they are highly breathable, flexible and will not become wet with water vapour from breathing, this also reduces the carbon dioxide re-breathing occurrence that is a problem among even medical grade respirators.
This is why the KYMIRA K-Filter has proven itself to be one of the most effective air filters in the world.
The K Mask:
Utilising a combination of KYMIRA fabric technologies, they have created the K-Mask. More breathable, more comfortable, and more effective using cutting edge design and technology.
The K-Mask is designed to house the Nanofibre K-Filter and is made from KYMIRA Kynergy infrared fabric. The infrared fabric offers the wearer temperature regulation, due it it’s efficiencies in cellular excitation and enhanced circulation. The infrared fabric itself supports the wearer to cool or warm, depending on need and provides a cooling effect as you inhale, helping you stay comfortable during use. To note, KYMIRA KYnergy infrared fabric is safe to use, certified by the FDA as a class 1 medical device and CE marked.
Designed for comfort, prolonged use and protection, the fit and design of the K-Mask is second to none. Available in sizes small, suitable for smaller or teen sizes and medium/large, the mask is designed to fit close to the wearer, high up on the nose and wrapping around the cheeks towards the ears to provide greater protection to and from the wearer.
The extended sides offer pressure balance, so that it forces the inhale and exhale through the viral filtration, even with use at high exertion or during coughing or sneezing. This makes the maskideal for not just everyday activities but for work, travel and playing sport too. The nose has a comfort strip underneath and a wired pinch bar so the wearer can ensure a close, comfortable fit, with attractive leather detailing. The straps fit around the head, fastening on the crown of the head and at the nape of the neck, providing comfort for long use that does not put pressure on the ears. The adjustable velcro fastenings and stretchy infrared fabric ensure the fit is close to the individual wearer. The close fit offers another ideal benefit, it reduces the occurrence and severity of glasses steaming whilst both are in use.
Cleaning, Reusability & Replacements
The Nanofibre K-Filters offer the wearer 200 hours of viral, bacterial and pollutant filtration protection. Once this time period is completed, the filter can be replaced with a fresh filter and the protection will continue.
The masks and filters can also be cleaned and reused during this 200 hour period. The masks and filters can be baked in the oven at 60 degrees and this will ensure that all trapped virus and bacteria particles are killed. The mask itself is also machine washable at 30 degrees. so it can stay looking fresh and clean (please note the filters should not go through the washing machine, unless your goal is to collect the pollutants in the washing machine itself).
The Nanofibre K-Filters can be used in the KYMIRA K-Mask, or any other reusable mask to increase the efficacy of any mask you have.
We mentioned how the K-mask matched up to the N95 but please see the graph below for a deeper look into how the K-mask matches up to masks currently available.
Today, Facebook Ireland is launching a new campaign in partnership with the WHO and its European fact-checking partners to educate people on how to spot false vaccination news. The campaign, ‘Together Against Covid-19 Misinformation’ launches at an important juncture in the roll out of Ireland’s national Covid-19 vaccination programme, which reached a milestone of half a million vaccinations administered at the end of February.
‘Together Against Covid-19 Misinformation’ will roll out to Newsfeeds in Ireland through a series of ads encouraging people to connect with accurate information from credible sources such as Ireland’s Health Services Executive (HSE), and reduce misinformation by asking them to check the following when viewing content online;
1.Check The Source: Scrutinise content, even if it appears science based
2.Check How It Makes You Feel: False news can manipulate feelings for clicks
3.Check The Context: Look to public health authorities to confirm content
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Facebook has worked closely with the HSE – and global public health experts – to connect people to accurate information and tackle vaccine misinformation. This campaign has been launched to provide further tools, knowledge and resources to help inform people on how to detect false news – and ultimately stop sharing it.
Between March and October 2020, Facebook removed more than 12 million pieces of Covid-19 misinformation on Facebook and Instagram, and displayed warnings on about 167 million pieces of Covid-19 content on Facebook, pointing to debunking articles written by fact checking partners.
Facebook’s platforms also provide a channel for important public health messages. The HSE is experiencing significant increases in people accessing Covid-19 and vaccine information on their social channels. Since December 30th 2020, the HSE has reached over 9.2 million people on Facebook and had over 573,000 engagements on posts about Covid-19 health messaging. The HSE’s #OurHealthService Covid-19 vaccine stories featuring real people getting the vaccine have reached around 1 million people per post; while their Instagram posts have reached over 669,000 people.
Paul Reid, CEO, HSE said, “Social media is an essential platform for us to communicate and we’ve used it very successfully to communicate our key messages to the majority of the population. We welcome the work Facebook is undertaking to help users spot false news in relation to Covid-19 and vaccines. Public safety remains our top priority and we will continue to share factual, up-to-date information from trusted sources, which will in turn allow people to make informed and confident decisions about Covid-19 vaccines.”
Dualta Ó Broin, Head of Public Policy at Facebook Ireland said, “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have been connecting people to accurate information and reducing misinformation on our platforms. We are removing harmful misinformation about vaccines and Covid-19. .We also want to empower people to decide for themselves what to read, trust, and share. This campaign will encourage users to connect with accurate information around vaccines, and will highlight the broader steps we are taking against misinformation on Facebook.”
For more information, visit Facebook’s new website Taking Action Against Misinformation Across Our Apps which will give people more transparency around Facebook’s Remove, Reduce and Inform strategy, Community Standards, and the steps taken to combat false news around global events such as Covid-19, elections and climate change.
Granite Digital, Ireland’s leading full-service digital agency, today announces that it has delivered Ireland’s first fully contactless hotel guest services platform for Dalata Hotel Group, which has already reached one million guest interactions. Developed in collaboration with Dublin-based hotel booking software provider P3 Hotels, the innovative web portal is transforming the hotel guest experience, as hotels continue to adapt to operating under COVID-19 restrictions.
Dalata is Ireland’s largest hotel operator with two leading brands – Maldron Hotels and Clayton Hotels – as well as managing a portfolio of further partner hotels. The group has implemented the contactless solution across its 44 owned, leased and operated hotel locations in Ireland and the UK. Many guests will utilise the platform within it’s first 12 months.
The digital platform is designed to aid social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols in hotels by enabling contactless check-in, check-out and hotel services, as well as securely and seamlessly facilitating the track and trace process for all visitors. Physical interaction is minimised, with hotel patrons accessing the platform through a link in their check-in email and using pick-up and drop-off boxes for room keys on arrival and departure.
Robert Carpenter, Co-Founder, Granite Digital and Stephen McNally, Deputy Chief Executive, Dalata Hotel Group
From the web-based portal, guests can browse hotel information and services, order in-room click-and-collect dining, reserve breakfast and dinner slots and book swimming and gym sessions. The portal also facilitates instant messaging so guests can order additional towels, toiletries, all linen supplies and cleaning services.
To guard against the spread of COVID-19, Dalata is also operating a revised cleaning regime for each hotel room and public space across its locations. It is working with global certification leader Bureau Veritas to ensure compliance and best practice with regards all health and safety measures in the hospitality sector. In combination with its newly launched digital platform, Dalata is seeking to offer guests peace of mind as well as a transformed visitor experience – leveraging technology to deliver convenience and more responsive services.
Stephen McNally, Deputy CEO, Dalata Hotel Group, said:“This new platform is now operating really well across the Dalata Hotel Group, and guest reaction has been excellent. The software is a landmark development for the hospitality sector in Ireland. It is the result of deep consultation with our innovative technology partners Granite Digital & P3 to develop a platform that can not only help achieve compliance with COVID-19 measures, but also revolutionise guest interactions for a more connected world.”
“The health and safety of our valued guests is paramount and the online platform is a cornerstone of our thorough approach to creating a clean and safe environment in each of our hotels. Looking to the future, we wanted to put digital at the heart of the guest experience so visitors can enjoy the same level of information, interactivity and responsiveness that they are accustomed to in other sectors. This platform helps us to do exactly that.”
Robert Carpenter, Co-Founder, Granite Digital, said:“Both the Maldron and Clayton Hotel brands are highly regarded and well-known in Ireland and increasingly growing in strength in the UK. It was fantastic to work with a true leader in hospitality who was so open to applying innovative ideas to address the significant challenges posed by COVID-19.
“The clever application of digital technologies to traditional sectors and processes can be the key to unlocking these challenges and carrying Irish businesses through this crisis and beyond. By moving quickly to bring this platform to the market and rolling it out to all of its hotels, Dalata has demonstrated the almost instantly transformative impact that customised digital solutions can have.”
With the current pandemic there has been an influx of UV gadgets like earbuds and charge docks etc some of which we have covered or in the review process now and they are aimed to protect us which is not a bad thing, this gadget we where asked to review is another such product and worth the review in my book, There is other alternatives out there now but just offer a metal bar in a similar shape to this when opened but this on has internal and external UV protection which makes it a nice little gadget to have.
This will fit in your pocket and is the size of a credit card in with but several more in thickness but not a cumbersome piece to have in your pocket and keeping you safe, when you think of it the amount of doors you might open on a daily basis and buttons you push this is an ideal tool to keep you even more protected going forward which is great, check out the video below for more..
Uvict features:
Ultimate protection
Uvict is the world’s first door opener with UV light sanitizer internally and externally. The internal one can disinfect the hook with effective ultraviolet light waves in 20s after it returns into the case. The external one on the side is up for additional sterilization when you need to disinfect small items or any dirty surface.
Intuitive to use
Uvict is built to protect you from the dirty surface like door handles and elevator buttons, mitigating the risk of contracting germs, bacteria and viruses. Simply press the button then eject the hook when opening doors and pressing buttons.
Wide application
Uvict contactless door opener has a wide variety of uses. To open doors, to press buttons, to disinfect the surface. From your phone to public toilet seat, the extra UV light on the side can be your sanitizer at hands.
Ergonomic comfort
Palm size, lightweight, and easy to carry. It’s only 86g. Definitely an essential for your everyday carry. Case is designed with ridged surfaces for better finger grips and the hook is made from stainless steel that is built to last longer than you expected.
Built to perform
Packed with a 500mAh rechargeable battery, it can be fully charged within 2 hours. Uvict contactless door opener can last for up to 15 days uses on one charge.
Carlow-based company, Xenon, has announced today that it has secured €1m in funding for their handsfree, infrared temperature testing device – Fever Defence.
The investment was made by New York based venture capitalists Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez and Kerry Propper. Fever Defence is a standalone device that uses a thermal imaging camera and facial detection camera to test people’s temperature, upon entry to a building or site.
The non-contact device measures skin temperature in less than one second, and is accurate up to ±0.3°C. Upon reading the temperature, it then alerts the individual of the result using a red and green light stop-go system and an audible notification if a potential fever temperature is detected.
Commenting on the investment, Paddy Byrne, Managing Director of Xenon Fever Defence, said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment, which will help us to scale our operations across Europe and the United States.
“Employers are moving quickly to put additional safety measures in place to protect their workplaces and their customers against the risk of COVID-19. Our devices have been installed at companies and organisations across a number of different industries – from construction sites and offices to retail and childcare settings in the Irish, European and US markets.
“Fever Defence acts as the first layer of defence for businesses, as they navigate their way through operating during the pandemic. This funding will allow us to expand our reach, and help organisations across the globe in reopening for business as soon and as safely as possible.”
Managing Partner of ATW Partners, Antonio Ruiz-Giménez, said that Fever Defence provides a smart solution for businesses worldwide as they begin to reopen: “The COVID-19 crisis has meant that businesses and organisations have had to reimagine the way they work, and the safety measures they have in place.
“Fever Defence will help create safer environments for people to be in, which is something we fully support. The product has excellent market potential and we are looking forward to working with the team to help them advance and scale in Ireland, Europe, the US and beyond.”
