Hong Kong scientists develop coronavirus-destroying surface spray

Hong Kong researchers have developed a disinfectant spray that can destroy all viruses that come into contact with it.

The polymer coating spray destroys 99.9 per cent of viruses like measles, mumps and rubella.

It has been developed by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and tested on hospital privacy curtains in field studies.

While it has not been tested on COVID-19, it is effective against surrogate feline calicivirus, a particularly resistant coronavirus.

A spray that destroys calicivirus is considered "a gold standard for disinfection efficiency and is more resistant than coronaviruses such as the one responsible for COVID-19 epidemic", the university said in a statement.

Because a virus is technically not a living thing, it would not be accurate to describe the spray as "killing" viruses.

The spray functions as a coating for surfaces like concrete, wood, glass, plastics, fabrics, leathers and textiles, keeping items clean from most germs for months.

And it does not change the tactile feel or appearances of those surfaces when applied, the university said.

It has also been proven effective against Rubella, bird flu and H1N1.

The coating has now been applied to surfaces in childcare centres, schools and school buses, churches and shopping centres.

The researchers are now coating water pipes and sewage drains in Hong Kong to prevent contamination and corrosion.

Hong Kong has been one of the most successful jurisdictions in handling the coronavirus pandemic.

Little more than a thousand Hong Kong residents have contracted the disease, and four have died.