We started out with hand washing and not touching your face. Next came masks. Now, experts are recommending ventilation and good air flow to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Mounting evidence shows that the virus is airborne and, when people stay together in an indoor space, that shared air can lead to infections, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal.
Read: Key to Preventing COVID-19 Indoors: Ventilation
Health scientists and mechanical engineers are now giving advice to schools, malls and other large indoor facilities on how to exchange and filter the air, the article said.
Virus transmission is still possible outside, but less likely, especially when people wear masks and stay six or more feet apart, experts say. The finding has inspired outdoor dining and a return to some outdoor activities, though large group gatherings are still discouraged.
The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance for businesses and office buildings to increase outdoor air flow as much as possible. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers these tips for improving ventilation at home:
- Open windows and let air flow through screen doors.
- Use window air conditioning units with an outdoor intake vent.
- Let bathroom fans run to keep the air circulating.
