RAYMONDVILLE, Texas — As schools prepare for in person classes, one local school district is supplying their campuses with equipment aimed at killing viruses, including COVID-19.
Raymondville ISD is introducing Needlepoint Bipolar Ionizer Technology to all their schools in efforts of preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
“If there are molecules in the air like bacteria, viruses, or mold spores it combines with that ion and for the virus and the bacteria when it combines with that ion it inactivates the virus,” said Benjamin Clinton, Deputy Superintendent for Raymondville ISD.
He explains, the specialized tubes in the Needlepoint Bipolar Ionizers aim to clean the air and deactivate harmful materials. Clinton said research shows this technology is effective on the current virus.
“This technology has been around for a while,” he said. “It’s been tested on viruses and bacteria like the flu, SARS, but it’s also recently been tested on COVID-19 and it’s shown that it’s effective.”
Around 300 of the Needlepoint Bipolar Ionizers will be installed in the HVAC units in all classrooms, hallways and cafeterias, which was a big investment for the district.
“Even when we get past this, it’s still going to be a good investment for our school because whether it’s mold spores that are getting kids sick or allergies in the air, this is going to inactivate that flu virus in the air and it’s going to keep our kids healthy,” said Clinton.
Even with this new technology, Clinton said they are still going to follow CDC guidelines when returning to in-person classes, but wanted this extra layer of protection to keep their student safe.
Raymondville ISD is expected to start installations of the Needlepoint Bipolar Ionizers in the beginning of July.
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