How UV-C is helping Dutch theatres to reopen

The Netherlands is gradually lifting COVID-19-related lockdown measures, including reopening of cultural venues to the general public, while still taking the 1.5m guidance into account. By installing UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires, these two Dutch theatres are showing to other venues around the globe how UV-C can contribute to welcoming back their guests in safer spaces.

UV-C is key to providing guests, performers and employees with an extra layer of protection against viruses and bacteria. This on top of existing guidelines from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), which include specific walking routes, social distancing, new norms for ventilation, the use of face masks indoors, and the availability of hand sanitizers.

Royal Theater Carré installed approximately 75 Philips UV-C upper air luminaires in the foyers for performers and the general audience, dressing rooms and in its offices.

“We are just as happy as our guests and performers to be open again. Among other measures, these UV-C luminaires will minimise the risk of infection for our guests, performers and our colleagues,” said Thomas Groen, Manager Sales & Partnerships at Royal Theater Carré.

Additional protection, also post-COVID-19

In Theater De Ruchte in Someren, future events, congresses and performances will be much safer and more COVID-19 proof. This is where installation company ETB Willem Bos will install around 20 Philips UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires in the foyers, hallways and meeting rooms. The theatre already has some UV-C luminaires installed as part of a pilot.

“These UV-C luminaires are helping us to be future-proof. We want to do everything to welcome back our guests, performers and employees as safely as possible, also post-COVID-19,” said Tim Rijper, General Manager at Theater De Ruchte.

“We’re extremely proud that we’re able to support cultural venues in safely reopening their doors thanks to our UV-C luminaires,” said Frans Konings, UV-C Sales Lead at Signify. “Other organisations, including restaurants, hotels and schools, can of course benefit just as much from UV-C luminaires, also post-COVID-19.”

UV-C

UV-C is a well-established method of disinfection, used to prevent the spread of diseases by disinfecting air, water and surfaces. UV-C breaks down the DNA or RNA of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria, rendering them harmless. UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires continuously disinfect the air while there are people present. Test results show that UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires inactivated 99.99% of SARS-COV-2 in the air of a room within ten minutes.

Signify has been at the forefront of UV technology for more than 35 years and has a proven track record in developing innovative UV-C disinfection solutions. Signify's UV-C lighting is designed, installed and used according to product-specific safety instructions, and manufactured in controlled industrial processes.