KOHLER, Wis. — A Sheboygan County restaurant is taking a first of its kind approach to making their restaurant COVID-19 safe.

The Blind Horse Restaurant and Winery is installing far-ultraviolet light units around the restaurant. The lights are designed to kill bacteria and viruses in indoor spaces.

The units, manufactured by Florida based Healthe Inc., are being deployed for the first time in a restaurant setting at Blind Horse.

They installed 18 units throughout the restaurant and distillery to kill viruses and germs.

Thomas Nye, General Manager at Blind Horse, says they welcomed a chance to be the first test customer.

 “[The far-UV light units] are a long term investment. I don’t think this need is going away anytime soon. It is not a short term thing. This is something we are investing in the health of our employees and community,” says Nye.

A Columbia University study released in July found far-UVC lights were 99% effective at killing seasonal Coronavirus strains, and while research is ongoing, believe it is equally effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Healthe, Inc. says they expect to see usage of far-UVC light technology grow in the coming months. ​