Bryan Health in Lincoln will use “germ-zapping” robots to disinfect hospital surfaces and equipment amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Bryan Health representatives showed off their robot, nicknamed "Frost," at a media briefing Wednesday.
“The UV light will deactivate the DNA of the bacteria and germs and viruses that are on the surface,” Jeff DeBoer, Bryan Health environmental services manager, said of the robot.
In total, Bryan Health has four robots across both campuses and has ordered two more. Right now, one robot will be used to clean reusable protective masks, while the other is used for cleaning rooms, DeBoer said. Bryan Health employees can't be in the room while the robots operate, and they will close shades and take other measures to avoid exposure to UV light.
John Woodrich, CEO of Bryan Health, also announced Bryan Health will restrict most visitor access starting Friday.
“The last thing we need to do is to have a number of our healthcare providers go down sick," Woodrich said.
Exceptions to the restriction include emergency room, births, neo-natal, post-partum and minors with visitors. Only one or two visitors are allowed depending on the situation. The amount of visitors for special needs and end-of-life situations will be determined by Bryan Health professionals, Woodrich said. No visitors will be allowed for COVID-19 patients.
Drive-thru tests for COVID-19 at Bryan Health totaled 353 Wednesday, as 243 patients await results and three tested positive for COVID-19.
Latest news & resources: netNebraska.org/coronavirus