It’s a sign of the times.

Christmas is usually when shops are laden with decorations, chocolates, gifts and treats. This year, however, the latest addition to the Cork shopping scene is catering to a much more serious concern.

VirX Anti Viral Solutions is a new retail outlet which will stock a range of pandemic solutions and PPE products, ranging from masks to personal antiviral fogging.

The shop, which opened today at 86 Oliver Plunkett Street, is owned by local businessman Tom Treacy, owner of Jon Clare Ladies Fashions, who made the move into antiviral solutions at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and set out to create tailored antiviral solutions for businesses of all sizes.

“I firstly wanted to protect my own business and my staff,” said Mr Treacy.

“Speaking to my customers, there was an interest in additional measures, beyond wearing a mask, that they themselves could take. While we use the foggers in the shop, there was definitely an interest in the personal equipment which could be carried in a handbag, for example.”

“There are so many products out there, it’s hard to find what is the right choice, and that can be overwhelming when people don’t know where to start in keeping their business compliant and safe,” he said.

The store will include a variety of PPE equipment, ranging from masks and visors, to sanitiser dispensers, air purifiers, UVC lamps and a full range of thermometers.

While they don’t offer gift wrapping, all products stocked come with the guarantee of top-of-the-range safety certificates and warranties including the ISO9001 certification.