KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Paul Pedersen, uses an Aeroclave RDS 3110, decontamination system on a piece of equipment at the Liberty Arena.

As the Liberty Arena has reopened for patrons amid a COVID-19 pandemic this month, the latest in air purification and surface disinfectants available are inside.

Plasma Air technology in the air duct system is being used to eliminate bacteria and viruses, smoke, odors, and mold, said Jerry Clark, facilties’ asset manager.

Also, a machine, called an Aeroclave, disinfects arcade games and rooms with an Environmental Protection Agency-approved, hospital grade spray.

The spray fogger can be used with a hand-held gun to or attached to nozzles and timed automatically.

“The biggest challenge is that the property is very large, and there are different restrictions for the different spaces at the facility,” Clark said.

“It is safe for humans,” said Paul E.J. Pederson, equipment service manager.

Pederson recently demonstrated the fogger’s ability to get into each nook and cranny. It applies a thin layer of mist covering the surfaces and it dries in a matter of minutes without damaging circuits.

For any attraction, face masks must be worn, he said.

Any exclusion is for athletes using the turf fields who are not required to wear face coverings while engaged in competition but must wear them on the sidelines, Clark said.

Extra attention on cleaning procedures is requiring team members on the shifts to frequently wipe down touch points and contact areas. The fogger device will be used on off-hours when daily cleaning and disinfecting takes place.

Point of sale stations are equipped with contactless payment options via Apple Pay and Android Pay, Clark said. Plexiglass is up at the payment and registration areas, he said.

Additionally, the facility is equipped with hand sanitizer stations, and gloves and face masks upon request, he said.

The arena began to reopen on phases earlier this month. The Scorz Bar and Grill Restaurant reopened 4 p.m. Thursday at 50-percent capacity after self-certifiying with the state. The arena consists of turf fields, a Kaos Fun Zone, and Fly World Trampoline Park.

“This is just another step we are taking to be sure we have the safest possible facility for our customers and employees,” Clark said.