By Staff, Agencies

Hong Kong International Airport started trialing a disinfection booth which it claims is able to kill all microbes, including coronavirus, in 40 seconds.

The airport is the first place in the world to use the CLeanTech sanitation pods which are currently being utilized by key workers such as public health staff.

The interior surface of the cubicle is coated with an antimicrobial material which kills any viruses and bacteria on humans. 

The airport describes the facility as 'a full-body disinfection channel facility'.

Individuals have their temperature checked before entering in order to spot a fever, a key warning sign of COVID-19.

After stepping inside the enclosed booth, the disinfection and sanitation procedures begin, taking around 40 seconds from start to finish.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the airport said: 'The interior surface of the channel is equipped with antimicrobial coating which can remotely kill virus and bacteria on human bodies and clothing by using the technologies of photocatalyst and "nano needles". Sanitizing spray is also applied for instant disinfection.'

The tunnels are one of several measures being trialed by the airport to keep it free of the contagion.