Some 200 disinfection robots will soon be heading towards hospitals across EU member states, as part of the Commission’s effort to tackle the spread of COVID-19. The EU executive body has already launched the purchase of the robots at a total price of up to 12 million euros. The funds have been earmarked under the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI), launched in April to help countries address the coronavirus pandemic.
EU support for member states in times of crises
One such robot can disinfect a standard patient room with ultraviolet light for as little as 15 minutes. This support is regarded as essential in reducing the further spread of the novel coronavirus. The process is completely safe for humans in terms of UV lights, as it is controlled remotely by an operator, who is located outside of the space at the time of disinfection.
Hospitals from most EU member states have expressed a desire to acquire such a robot, capable of disinfecting a standard patient room in just 15 minutes. Image: European Commission
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, quoted on the European Commission website, said: “Developing technologies can set up forces of change and we see a good example of this in the disinfection robots. I welcome this action to help our hospitals in Europe reduce the risk of infection – an important step in containing the spread of coronavirus.”
Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton also added that: “Europe has remained resilient and solidary during the current crisis. From repatriating EU citizens stranded abroad to increasing the production of masks and ensuring that medical equipment reaches those who need it within the single market, we are acting to protect our citizens. Now we are deploying disinfection robots in hospitals so that our citizens can benefit from this potentially life-saving technology.”
The robots are expected to be delivered to Europe’s hospitals within the next couple of weeks.
Source: TheMayor.EU
