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Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Implementation of Air Purification System in Schools, Town Buildings as Effort to Mitigate COVID-19 Spread and Prioritize the Health, Safety for the Town of Saugus - October 21, 2020

Posted on: October 23, 2020 - 11:28am

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Implementation of Air Purification System in Schools, Town Buildings as Effort to Mitigate COVID-19 Spread and Prioritize the Health, Safety for the Town of Saugus

(Saugus, MA) October 21, 2020, – Saugus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announces the implementation of an advanced air purification system in the Saugus Public Schools classrooms and offices, as well as in Town buildings and offices, as part of a continued effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to prioritize the health and safety of the students, educators, employees and visitors of the Town of Saugus.

Under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the Town recently retained hygienists, mechanical engineers, and architects to assist in implementing necessary modifications to municipal buildings and schools. After careful research conducted by these experts, the Town identified, invested in and implemented the Beyond by Aerus air purification system as one of the steps, which captures and removes 99.97% of contaminants. The Town acquired 167 of the following Energy Star certified models to make up the system:

The Beyond Guardian Air – This advanced air purifier features better-than-HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration and has been university tested and proven effective on bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi in the air and surfaces. These units feature proprietary ActivePure Technology, which is based on technology originally developed by NASA researchers to use on the International Space Station and is recognized exclusively, worldwide, as Certified Space Technology. The Beyond Guardian Air system captures 99.7% of particles as small as .1 micron, purifies up to 2,000 square feet and destroys volatile organic compounds (such as chemicals), smoke and odors without ozone.

The Guardian Angel – This air purification system is a true HEPA air purifier that covers up to 1,000 square feet and removes 99.7% of airborne contaminants as small as .3 micron. Like the Beyond Guardian Air, this model uses UV light combined with titanium dioxide to remove contaminants through Photocatalytic Oxidation (a process used to destroy organic compounds by turning them into CO2 and water) and removes odors without ozone.

Both models have been strategically placed throughout the Town’s schools and municipal buildings as part of a continued effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to prioritize health and safety of the students, teachers, residents and employees of the Town of Saugus. The Town has applied for funding assistance for the systems through the Federal CARES Act and the State’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.

As part of this Town-wide effort, layouts in buildings have also been adjusted and a maximum number of occupants in buildings are being established.

“We are doing all that we can to keep everyone of Saugus as safe as possible,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “We ask that everyone please continue to do their part by wearing masks, washing hands, avoiding gatherings and continuing to follow the CDC and MDPH guidelines.”

Residents are urged to continue to follow guidance from Governor Baker, the CDC and MDPH to prevent COVID-19 illness by:

  • Washing hands often for at least 20 seconds;
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth;
  • Keep at least 6 feet from others; and
  • Cover mouth and nose with a face cover when around others.

For more information, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.