New Air Change Requirement for Restaurants: Technology Solutions for Indoor Environment

The COVID pandemic has resulted in significant business disruption and economic slowdown globally. The property sector operates various venues from public facilities to retail outlets, and one of the key priorities for many now has been about public health, in particular – clean air solutions.

HKPTA Member Spotlight - Aurabeat Dr Roger

“Airborne transmission of virus remaining in closed spaces is one crucial factor of the rebounding waves of COVID outbreak in Hong Kong.” according to Dr. Roger Sze To, CTO of Aurabeat and a renowned scientist in air disinfection and purification technology.

According to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), a new requirement on-air change or air purifiers in dine-in restaurants will soon be stipulated in relation to catering business under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) on infection control grounds.

Under the new guidelines, restaurants and eateries need to reach an airflow rate of 6 times per hour. For small restaurant operators, “changing the existing vitalization systems would require remodeling or refitting the restaurant, which may not be a feasible option or otherwise a very time-consuming and costly exercise to the already suffering industry” says Dr. Roger; therefore, installation of qualified air purifiers is an easier and more cost-effective alternative.

HKPTA Member Spotlight - Aurabeat in restaurants

Founded in 2017, Aurabeat Technology launched the world’s first FDA-cleared air purifier, certified to eliminate >99.9% of airborne COVID-19 in August 2020. Now Aurabeat products are used by more than half of Hong Kong public hospitals, many government authorities and numerous property developers such as Hysan Development, New World Development, and Sun Hung Kai Properties. 4 models of Aurabeat air purifiers have been confirmed by FEHD that meets the specified specifications.

“In addition to compliance with government requirements, large property operators such as Lee Garden and K11 are also generally more aware of air quality and protection of the health of employees and customers.” says Dr. Roger. “… and it is definitely a trend that developers would increasingly consider technology solutions for environment and public health matters.”