A tool for use in the battle against Covid-19 is now widely available for the benefit of the island’s business community.

Germagic Thyme is a water-based liquid, self-disinfecting and antimicrobial coating that its manufacturers say is effective for up to 90 days.

Developed by a research team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the patented electrostatic coating uses microcapsule technology to encapsulate and delay the release of biocides – substances that destroy living things.

Once applied, its developers say it performs as a long-lasting antimicrobial system with contact killing, release killing and anti-adhesion properties, and said the product is effective to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus – and more than 100 viruses and bacteria.

It is available exclusively on-island via Bermuda Cleaning Ltd, the approved local distributor, which – after a test period – has been employing it for some of its corporate clients for about three months.

Now that more product and sprayers are available, and additional BCL staff members have been trained to deliver it, Germagic is now available island-wide.

Ryan Faries, the general manager of BCL, said: “We have had fantastic feedback for the product from our extensive client base so far. It is providing an added level of disinfectant coverage for the facilities. I think we will be able to reach a wide range of our customer base.”

He said the product is appropriate for use in corporate offices, restaurants, showrooms, retail stores, and more.

Mr Faries added: “It’s perfect for any high-traffic facility.”

The coating technology combines sterilisation capsules and natural thyme essential oil, which its developers say makes its coating more durable to develop strong killing effect.

Its manufacturers say the product has undergone vigorous testing and scientific research.

Third-party test sites include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and China, the company said.

The company says Germagic is compatible for use on almost all surfaces, including porous surfaces such as textiles and clothing, and hard surfaces such as glass, plastic, glass fibres, metals, stone, wood, steel, natural materials, varnished surfaces and sanitary surfaces.

It added that the colourless and odourless coating is safe to use, food-safe, environmentally-friendly, nicely-scented, hypoallergenic, and contains no heavy metals. Germagic is also said by its developers to prevent odours, and the growth of mould, fungus, and yeast.

Businessman Stuart Lacey, the rights holder for Bermuda, said he first became aware of the spray last fall, and reached out to the Hong Kong parent company to determine if it could be imported to the island.

He said: “Germagic were very helpful but required that I first conduct due diligence in Bermuda and recommend to them the leading local provider of Covid cleaning and disinfecting solutions as their local delivery partner. This is in line with the policy to ensure quality control, service and delivery excellence.”

Mr Lacey said he conducted research, and then recommended BCL to Germagic, which completed an independent review and individually verified them.

He added: “BCL is now able to spray Germagic island-wide and it represents a key tool in the hopes of keeping our borders and economy open, getting people back to work and fighting back against Covid.”