Simple Ventilation Advice to Prevent Risk of Coronavirus Within Households
- Posted By: Francis Akinola
- Posted on: 2020-05-23
While better hygiene, good housekeeping, low occupational density, social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment are all needed to prevent the risk of coronavirus within households, it has been shown that 65% of Covid-19 infections are contracted through airborne transmission, so it is good practice to manage the air quality and airflow within our homes. The following steps are given as simple ventilation guidance that would assure protection from Covid-19 risks within households.
- Ceiling fans in homes are effective at reducing the risk of stagnant air which aid viruses to thrive. This should be operated constantly.
- Opening of windows will increase airflow and secure ventilation of spaces with outdoor air. This is effective in reducing any risk of virus infection.
- Consider keeping rooms ventilation on 24/7. You may lower ventilation rates when people are absent but never shut this off.
- Ventilation systems of toilets should always 24/7. If there is an exhaust fan in the toilets, avoid open windows to assure the right direction of ventilation is maintained.
- Where air-conditioning units are installed, they should be kept on for longer, with lower ventilation rates when people are absent, but not switched off.
- Consider using Air Cleaners with HEPA filter efficiency. They are effective in removing up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria from a space of less than 10 m2.
- Instruct building occupants to flush toilets with closed lid. Coronavirus can be contacted from feces.
