06/05/2021
The Terang Co-op has introduced new virus protection measures that will provide long-term health and safety benefits to customers.
The Co-op has added Touch Guard’s Nanoveu’s antiviral protective shields to its shopping trolleys and door handles.
It is believed the Co-op is the first major retailer in the region to introduce this safety measure.
Terang Co-op CEO Kevin Ford said the protective shields would become a permanent part of the Co-op’s shopping experience, even after COVID-19.
“These handle covers give protection against viruses and bacteria, even if the handles are exposed to sun and rain,” Mr Ford said.
“We expect to keep them after COVID-19. Given the lessons we have learned during the pandemic, if we can reduce the risk of spreading even the common cold it’s better off for all of us.”
The covers only need to be wiped once a day with a soft cloth. They will be replaced after six months.
The contractor doing new signage for the redevelopment of the Co-op’s Mitre 10, Rural Store and Supa IGA is also an installer of the Touchguard product.
“We learnt about this option from the contractor and thought it would be a good investment for community safety,” Mr Ford said. “I’m not aware of any other major retailers in the area doing this,” he added.
The total handle of the supermarket trolley is protected and areas on fridge doors near the touch Guard label will be protected.
Mr Ford said the Nanoveu antiviral technology had been independently demonstrated to be highly effective in eradicating viruses.
The technology has been proven to eliminate 99.99% of OC43, a viral strain affecting humans that is also a surrogate for COVID-19, in 30 minutes.
This antiviral protection has also been validated against other bacteria and viruses, including e. Coli, Influenza A (subtype H3N2), and coronavirus MHV-A592.
The move comes as staff and customers are no longer required to wear masks in the supermarket.
“People have been fantastic with wearing masks,” Mr Ford said. “To be able to go into a number of businesses and not be required to wear a mask and then manage to maintain the rules in supermarkets has been very impressive.” The Co-op has provided disposable masks to those who forget.
In another initiative, the Co-op has introduced new weekly member specials in the IGA store.
“We are running about 50 different weekly specials with low prices solely for Co-op members,” Mr Ford said.
He said the initiative in the IGA supermarket followed compliments about the recent store refurbishment and as a reward for members.