![]() ![]() We believe that the use of engineering controls in public buildings, including hospitals, shops, offices, schools, kindergartens, libraries, restaurants, cruise ships, elevators, conference rooms or public transport, in parallel with effective application of other controls (including isolation and quarantine, social distancing and hand hygiene), would be an additional important measure globally to reduce the likelihood of transmission and thereby protect healthcare workers, patients and the general public. Often, such measures can be easily implemented and without much cost, but if only they are recognised as significant in contributing to infection control goals. ![]() Appropriate building engineering controls include sufficient and effective ventilation, possibly enhanced by particle filtration and air disinfection, avoiding air recirculation and avoiding overcrowding. Ventilation is key: The new guidance heightens the importance of proper ventilation in fighting the spread of the virus. The CDC notes that airborne transmission of COVID-19 only happens in special circumstances, like situations where a contagious person spends prolonged time in poorly ventilated air. While uncertainties remain regarding the relative contributions of the different transmission pathways, we argue that existing evidence is sufficiently strong to warrant engineering controls targeting airborne transmission as part of an overall strategy to limit infection risk indoors. Inhaling small airborne droplets is probable as a third route of infection, in addition to more widely recognized transmission via larger respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. During the rapid rise in COVID-19 illnesses and deaths globally, and notwithstanding recommended precautions, questions are voiced about routes of transmission for this pandemic disease. Researchers say airborne transmission of the coronavirus is possible, especially in cramped indoor settings, but its unclear how much airborne transmission contributes to the spread. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |