In today's article, we discuss Dr Evonne Curran's review of the changing understanding of the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2, and how an investment in ventilation will help keep infectious diseases out of offices, offices, classrooms, etc.
A recent review article by Dr Evonne Curran, explores the changing understanding of the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2, and the influence of prevention measures in offices. Most importantly, particular attention needs to be paid to how ventilation can be improved and how better ventilation systems can be designed for new office buildings. Along with other measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in offices, a new interest in ventilation will help keep infectious diseases out of offices, which benefits clients, employees and employers.
Prevention measures can reduce the spread of infections in offices
Studies show that preventative measures help reduce the spread of infectious diseases in office environments. For example, sanitation interventions can reduce the spread of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in office workers. However, previous studies have not explored the possible role of inadequate ventilation in the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
How views on SARS-CoV-2 transmission have changed
Dr Evonne Curran's review article describes how opinions about the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 viruses have changed during the pandemic. At the start of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes were described as droplet or airborne, with airborne transmission considered less frequent. This changed to virus-laden particles that can be inhaled and/or sprayed onto facial mucous membranes, with airborne transmission considered predominant.
Office spaces
Inadequate prevention measures for respiratory viruses in this setting will result in widespread transmission, which will increase illness and reduce workforce productivity.
What does the changing understanding mean for the environment in offices?
As time has progressed, much of the telecommuting population has returned to offices, if only one or two days a week. And this can bring some insecurity to the general productivity of a company, this is because the security measures have been relieved and the cases of COVID-19 tend to increase. And For that, effective solutions have to be thought of to avoid future problems.
The most important change is to think more about ventilation. In practice, this will mean:
Risk assessments depending on the number of staff/clients present in existing spaces.
Working with ventilation and disinfection specialists to get the best out of existing air handling systems and strategies. This may include simple measures or more complex approaches.
Considering the role of stand-alone air treatment systems (such as WonderX ) in improving indoor air quality, especially where ventilation is known to be poor, may pass as an excellent alternative for these types of environments.
Invest in optimised ventilation systems when designing new office buildings.
Another innovative system in the area of disinfection is the UV Disinfection Cabinet, which allows garments to be kept disinfected at all times. Ideal for restaurants, hotels, clinics, etc.
It's not just about ventilation
While ventilation may be the most important measure to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in office buildings, it is not the only measure. There still needs to be a focus on hand, surface and respiratory hygiene, which are also important drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In addition, ventilation will not do much to stop the spread of infectious diseases that spread by contact, which includes most gastrointestinal diseases (such as norovirus). This is why a focus on hand and surface hygiene is so important in office environments.
A package of measures, including optimised ventilation, is needed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 in offices. No single measure will prevent the spread of all infectious diseases. But without proper ventilation, it will not be possible to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in offices.
If you need more information about PMH's complete disinfection and ventilation systems, please contact us. Help us spread the word about the importance of ventilation in offices by sharing this article on social media.