Stop the spread of COVID-19 in Australia with the appropriate door hardware

Australia had its highest number of confirmed new cases on July 30, when a record 721 people returned positive results. August 1 saw 715 more added to the mix, as the country continued to battle a total of 19,444 confirmed cases across the country. As of the time of writing this, there have been 463 confirmed deaths; a number which is unfortunately rising.

Lockdown efforts earlier in the year to flatten the curve did effectively work, with figures sitting in double digits for much of April, May and June. But while most states and territories were able to start opening back up for business, Victoria trended backwards.

The state is now under Stage 4 restrictions until late September, all in a bid to eliminate the virus. Meanwhile, hot spots have started to appear in New South Wales and Southeast Queensland. Borders remain closed across the country while we experience a second wave that is already almost twice as bad as the first.

Australia can not afford complacency, and all hygiene measures must be put in place to help halt the spread of this deadly virus once more. That includes the wearing of masks, regular, thorough washing of hands, using sanitiser and maintaining social distancing procedures, as outlined by authorities.

It is also recommended that human interactions – like shaking hands or hugging – be eliminated to prevent the spread. But what about everyday items, like doorknobs, that we can't avoid touching throughout our day?

Turn to brass door handles for new installations

If your home, business or commercial/industrial building requires new door hardware of any description, try to get brass options in the short-term. Copper and all of its alloys, including brass and bronze, are naturally antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial.

These metals ultimately kill any nasties resting on the surface, which is why you will notice that doorknobs in places like hospitals, vets, dentists, schools and doctor's clinics often have brass fixtures. Brass is antibacterial, antiviral, and aids in preventing bacteria that could otherwise be resting on surfaces like this (but be aware that an exterior finish or lacquer over the brass could affect the antibacterial properties). Meanwhile, door seals – like the Kilargo range at Keeler – can also assist with this aspect of protection.

Tip: You can also access helpful information on protecting yourself, and those around you, from COVID-19 here.

Using an antimicrobial coating to protect your door hardware

Of course, replacing all of your hardware is not a pragmatic solution in most instances. We recommend purchasing antimicrobial coatings that can be easily applied to your existing fixtures, which will also kill bacteria and viruses (but again please check the manufacturer’s guidelines as some finishes are more sensitive than others).

These coatings include additives – usually silver ions – that prevent germ growth and kill bacteria, viruses, protozoans and fungi. They’re also durable and can stand up to regular washing.

Tip: Make sure you are regularly cleaning them down; proper hygiene and cleanliness, along with social distancing, are the key ways to stop the spread of COVID-19.

When you consider a single doorknob is the equivalent of thousands of handshakes every day, we must ensure that we are using all the most appropriate materials that will support our ability to combat the virus. While all of us are individually responsible for practising social distancing and following local restrictions, we can also play a decisive role by ensuring our workplaces are equipped with appropriate hardware that can only further assist with these efforts.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Keeler Hardware team. Previously, we’ve also written about preventing bacterial spreads here, which guides you through other aspects of hardware that can assist you in the fight against COVID-19.

Please note that this article is intended as general guidance, and should not be taken as professional or medical advice.