CDC updates advice on COVID-19 and ventilation

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has released updated advice to reduce exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

The advice includes suggestions to improve ventilation that may help reduce the concentration of virus particles in the air.

According to the CDC website, SARS-CoV-2 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors than outdoors.

“When indoors, ventilation mitigation strategies help to offset the absence of natural wind and reduce the concentration of viral particles in the indoor air,” the website states.

According to the CDC, adding layers of mitigation can lower the concentration of viral droplets, which in turn decreases the risk of particles getting into people’s noses, eyes or mouths.

The advice centres around increasing fresh airflow in buildings. Some of the suggestions include:

• Opening windows and doors where possible to increase airflow
• Using fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows
• Consulting with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals to ensure equipment is working correctly – such as filters and exhaust fans
• Using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as a supplement to help inactivate SARS-CoV-2.

The CDC has included a variety of suggestions that range from free to approximately $1,500 to implement. The full list is available to view here.