News

Redbox touchscreens safe? Company notes increased safety measures in response to TV report

Image courtesy of Redbox.

April 3, 2020

When a Fort Myers, Florida TV station, WBBH-TV, explored the possibility of Redbox kiosks carrying COVID-19 Thursday, the company responded that the kiosks are cleaned regularly and it has fast tracked its deployment of contactless technology. The report quoted Robert Hawkes, director of the Physicians Assistant Program at Florida Gulf Coast University, as stating germs can survive on surfaces such as the glass touchscreen Redbox customers use to rent movies, as well as plastic surfaces, for at least 24 hours.

Redbox, in a response to this station, said it has a dedicated field staff of more than 1,000 people nationwide to clean and maintain the kiosks and has educated staff and provided resources to increase sanitation.

Redbox's response, provided to Kiosk Marketplace, noted that the CDC has informed the public that it is important to wash or sanitize our hands after any interaction, and maintain a safe, 6-foot distance between ourselves and others. 

"Our automated kiosks, by their very nature, eliminate the need for customers to interact with store personnel 'behind the counter,'" the company said in its statement. "Of course, customers can further minimize time and interaction at our kiosks by renting and reserving their DVD in advance online, or via our app, and then simply 'pick up and go' at their favorite retailer. And we have fast tracked the deployment of 'contactless' technology at tens of thousands of our locations, so customers can securely pay with a quick 'tap,' rather than swiping or using a chip reader."

For an update on the coronavirus pandemic's impact on the kiosk industry, click here.