Universal facial protection will also help prevent droplets (from speaking and coughing) from reaching surfaces or others. Reduce virus circulation in public spaces. As a precautionary measure, people should continue engaging in physical distancing until a vaccine or tests for immunity are available, considering the large proportion of pre-symptomatic transmission (Gandhi 2020). In summary, air conditioning, ventilation, or other climate control systems that are well-maintained and operated should not increase the risk of virus transmission. To reduce the number of days that the SARS-COV-2 virus can remain viable in the indoor environment, avoid setting climate control systems to low “cold” temperatures (below 70 F/ 21C) (Chin et al., 2020) and “dry” low humidity settings (below 40%) as these are optimal conditions for the virus to survive(Chan et al., 2011 Van Doremalen et al., 2020). High efficiency filters are also available for residential use. Filters should be installed and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Consider installing a higher efficiency filter (MERV 13 to 16, EPA 2019), or in healthcare facilities, a HEPA filter which captures viruses effectively (Perry, 2016), and where the air handler is rated for such a filter. If the air conditioning or ventilation system is not well maintained and operated, there are two potential mechanisms through which it could contribute to virus transmission: the system itself could recirculate contaminated air and/or could create indoor conditions (temperature and humidity) that support virus survival.īuildings that use a central ventilation and/or climate control system, should use the most efficient filters. By well maintained, we mean that the system is inspected periodically, the most efficient filters are used, the filters are changed according to manufacturer recommendations, and the duct systems are cleaned periodically (Quian and Zheng, 2018). If a ventilation system is well maintained the risk of transmission should not be significant. Air conditioning may also be routinely used in homes during the summer months.Īir conditioning and ventilation are considered effective control strategies for preventing workplace infection and ill health in the hierarchy of controls (a framework used in occupational health to prioritize the controls needed for protection of human health, which is applicable also when considering health risks to the public in indoor spaces). generally operate on centralized and ‘closed-system’ climate control and ventilation systems. High-occupancy publicly-accessed commercial properties such as stores, hotels, schools, shopping malls, restaurants, office buildings, etc. If the use of fans is unavoidable, increase outdoor air exchange, and minimize air blowing from one person directly at another should be taken to reduce the potential spread of any airborne or aerosolized viruses. Set temperatures between 24 oC/75 oF and 27 oC/ 80.5 oF for cooling during the warmer weather, and RH between 50% and 60%. Even in well-ventilated environments, people should continue following recommendations of physical distancing and frequent hand hygiene. Fans for air circulation in collective spaces should be avoided when several people are present in this space.Īll air conditioning and industrial ventilation systems for both residential and high occupancy buildings (government buildings, schools, hotels, and hospitals) should be inspected, maintained, and cleaned regularly to prevent transmission. Air conditioning and ventilation systems that are well-maintained and operated should not increase the risk of virus transmission.
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