A Carlisle office complex is thought to be the first in the city to invest in an innovative bio-security system in preparation for life post-coronavirus lockdown.

Warwick Mill Business Village has installed an anti-virus entry system, which means no one can enter the building before first sanitising their hands.

It is linked to the existing door security system and has been created by Circular 1 Health, which is also based in the business village.

Simon Long, managing director of Warwick Mill Business Village, said: “We have always prided ourselves on excellence in the provision of fully serviced offices and managed workspaces.

"With the effects that Covid-19 has had globally, it is vital that we work to protect the health of our staff and customers.

"Knowing where you work is as safe as possible will be the difference to our customers being able to operate or not.

"Along with a thorough cleaning regime, the introduction of Circular1 Health’s Steriloc system will give anyone working at Warwick Mill the peace of mind that they are entering as safe an environment as possible.”

Circular1 will provide further support to Warwick Mill and its tenants on safe operating guidelines as companies scale their businesses back up once the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The guidelines are based on Circular1’s 40-year experience in developing rapid infectious disease testing technologies which also includes a Covid-19 diagnostic test following a trial in collaboration with King's College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

Stuart Maclennan, chief executive of Circular1 said: “We are delighted to be supporting our base of operation here in Carlisle with our anti-virus entry system.

"When we first received word of the Covid-19 virus we immediately pivoted the business and are focused on providing operational protocols to get Britain back to work.

"We are working as hard as we can to deliver proven solutions.

"The current situation can not be taken lightly, we are pulling out all the stops to support the return of a more stable future.”