Kansas City, MO – A local company has developed a simple tool to combat the spread of the coronavirus and other viruses and bacteria - copper metal foil with an adhesive backing.
Copper is a metal with natural anti-microbial properties that humans have been using for millennia to ward off ailments. And copper works against viruses like influenza and the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Matt Robb is the founder of CuTap and created a copper overlay 'peel and place' sticker to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The sheets of copper foil are placed over high touch areas - door handles and push bars, and even can be wrapped around pens and styluses. The stickers can be put anywhere people put their hands in public.
CuTap antimicrobial copper overlays on top of frequently touched surfaces-
— MR (@MrMatt9er) October 3, 2020
•long lasting solution
•maintenance free
•cut to fit | peel & stick install
EPA APPROVED kills more than 99% bacteria, 24 hours a day, even after repeated contamination. https://t.co/gqdLMKnVIw pic.twitter.com/AYJ9oxlC96
CBD American Shaman in Liberty was one of Robb's first customers, jumping at the opportunity to purchase the materials and place it on their doors.
"This is definitely one really big step that helps us because there is so much bacteria that spreads just by touch mostly. And so this is really helping to eliminate that, especially on the cold days where we can't really keep our doors open," said Lawson Kalaiwaa, of CBD American Shaman.
This is one of hundreds of local shops using the copper stickers. Robb said he has also shipped the product to clients in nearly every state, ranging from airports to hospitals to storefronts.
"I think it's difficult with people trying to keep their health but also keep their businesses going, too," Robb said.
The effort is personal. Robb's grandfather recently died from COVID-19.
"(He) was just really a good man, laid back," Robb said. "That really drove a lot of things home for me."
