Facility managers preparing their buildings for the end of shelter at home orders may want to clean their air conditioning units and filters as well as consider opening up the windows. A new study published in the journal mSystems found facilities with air delivery systems should avoid recirculating indoor air as it could potentially increase the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, Newsweek reports.
The most direct way to avoid recirculating air is to simply open windows. However, as weather may prevent this action and not all commercial buildings have windows that can be opened, the next best option is to keep HVAC systems cleaned and maintained as well as air filters properly installed. HVAC systems with higher rates of air exchange may help dilute indoor contaminants, including viral particles. Separate air filtration systems may not be effective as the majority of viruses, including coronaviruses, are too small to be captured in the filter system. Click below for more……
