A  final year student of the  Jamaica’s University of Technology  (UTECH) has created a tool which can be used as a weapon in the fight against the Coronavirus. Rayvon Stewart got the recognition  when his invention, “XERMOSOL”, was highlighted by Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland as “a huge step in the fight against microorganisms and offers new ways of thinking around combating viral cells such as Coronavirus.” XERMOSOL uses ultraviolet light technology to kill bacteria found on doorknobs and is simpler than similar products, which require the installation of new doorknobs. It would be useful in public spaces, such as hospitals and health care facilities, in reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses. The Commonwealth Secretary General made an appeal for funding for XERMOSOL to go into mass production. “The potential impact of Rayvon’s invention could now be even more important than when he first conceived it, as the world battles the frightening COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected more than 200,000 people worldwide and killed 5000 in a matter of a few short months,” Baroness Scotland said. “The coronavirus lives up to two to three days on stainless steel and metal, and several hours on fabric depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. “Field and laboratory testing has validated Xermosol’s efficiency in killing more than 99.9% of deadly pathogens. In addition to health facilities, Rayvon hopes it could help reduce transmission of germs in other public spaces such as schools and businesses. “Tests carried out in conjunction with University of Technology, Jamaica and University of the West Indies show that Xermosol destroys organisms such as MRSA and E-coli and destroys viral cells such as influenza virus H1N1. “But now the production of Xermosol faces a number of considerable challenges – from development funding to finding a manufacturer to mass produce. “Financing options are mostly focused on large-scale innovation, but the Commonwealth is exploring and proposing that all 54 member-countries go into partnership with the Global Innovation Fund to help young innovators like Rayvon,” Baroness Scotland urged.