Impact of prolonged hotel closures during the COVID-19 pandemic on Legionella infection risks

PRINT
Published on 03/23/2023 | by Waterline Admin

 

Highlights

  • There are very few field studies comparing the level of Legionella colonisation in buildings before and after the pandemic lockdowns.
  • This study analysed a group of hotels that experienced prolonged closures in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Legionella spp. were analysed by standard culture, immediately after reopening, from the domestic water distribution systems of 73 hotels that experienced closures (from 1 to >4 months) during 2020.
  • The results were compared with those obtained in similar samples from 2019.
  • The results suggest that hotels that had the longest prolonged closures (> 3 months) may have had a higher risk of exposure to Legionella spp.
  • The authors suggest that the findings highlight the importance of adequate preopening cleaning and disinfection procedures for hotel water systems, and choosing the most effective disinfection methods, especially for hot water systems after prolonged closure periods.

 

LINK TO PAPER – CLICK HERE

Latest Edition

THE LATEST EDITION
OUT NOW:
Autumn 2023

Members of the Water Management Society can log into the Members Area at www.wmsoc.org.uk to read current edition PLUS over 35 previous editions!

CLICK HERE to find out how you can become a WMSoc member today!

Diary Dates & Events

NEW EVENTS INFORMATION COMING SOON!

Grime Scene

Grime Scene



Click the gallery image above to view our Grime Scenes!


Waterline Twitter – @WMSoc_Waterline

Waterline now has its OWN TWITTER channel!

twitter icon

CLICK HERE to see
& be sure to FOLLOW US!

Product Spotlight

Effective Thermal Disinfection at POU

By using the readily available system temperature hot water supply (>60C), the patented ILTDU, In-Line Thermal Disinfection Unit, from Horne Engineering facilitates the only effective thermal disinfection of showers, taps, TMVs, their associated pipe-work feeds, ancillary fittings, mixed water deadleg and terminal outlet fitting. In conjunction with high velocity flushing, which shears excess biofilm from internal pipework surfaces (and represents 95% of the water system’s total bio-load) thus improving water quality, regular operation of the ILTDU further aids the risk-management of retrograde pathogens, e.g. opportunistic Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria and others.

Inform water temperature monitoring

Monitoring water temperatures are crucial to water safety, helping minimise the growth of waterborne pathogens and reducing the risk of infection. Inform is an intelligent digital solution that has been designed to monitor, maintain and provide data on assets within a building. This easy-to-use system offers peace of mind that you operate at the highest safety levels and comply with building requirements.

Features
• Intuitive software and clear graphic displays
• Full audit trail of all events
• Accurate reporting & documents stored in the system
• Max, average, min data recorded every 15 minutes
• Complies with ACoP L8, HSG 274, HTM 04-01
• No requirement to access IT data networks
• Anti-microbial system box with easy installation
• Long life (5 years†) replaceable batteries
• Installed complete and ready to operate by KWC DVS
• API integration to existing CAFM systems

How the NEW SolidTek® Biocide Feeder Package will BENEFIT YOU

SolidTek® has launched its NEW Biocide Feeder which is functional, compact, and environmentally-friendly.

Designed for use with SolidTek’s® enhanced bromine biocide, BromTek, it offers multiple benefits:

SAFER
Reduced exposure to fumes and bromine dust (non-pressurised system).

EFFECTIVE
Use with field proven mixed hydantoin biocide - better performance than standard bromine tablets.

COMPACT
Wall mounted reducing footprint of installation.

QUICK & EASY
Charge with product in under 5 minutes without isolation from the system.
SUPPORT

Product calculators and tech support available.