At the start of the pandemic, venues were contacted by many companies offering their products to help create a healthier, safer and cleaner environment. Our venue was no exception. The innovative technologies were inspiring, yet at times overwhelming.

What was the right product to invest in and would it still be relevant as the pandemic evolved? Our approach at Saint Paul RiverCentre was to pursue innovative technologies that would serve us during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for many years after.

So when we discovered the KONE Handrail Sterilizer, we were intrigued. KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator design industry, presented us with an innovative piece of technology that is retrofitted onto existing escalator handrails. It utilizes UV-C LED light technology to kill up to 99.9% of E. coli bacteria. Every time the escalator handrail cycles past this powerful UV-C light, germs are destroyed, thus creating a safe environment for any rider.

We made the decision to move forward, creating a safe riding experience for our guests by offering them the confidence to hold onto a safety handrail, while also feeling confident they weren’t encountering unwanted germs.

"As facilities gradually begin to open, people's health and well-being is a major concern," said Ken Schmid, executive vice president of KONE Americas. "Physical distancing measures and clean surfaces, as well as the need for people to be able to move around in shared spaces, all need to be properly and seriously addressed. KONE is making sure building owners, facility managers and developers are well positioned to address the new normal way of life."

Not only does the KONE Handrail Sterilizer create a safer, cleaner environment, but it also allows our cleaning teams to approach their work in a more efficient manner, allowing them more time to ensure the readiness and safety of other parts of the venue.