In emergency situations, such as outbreaks of life-threatening diseases, epidemics or even pandemics, urgent action must be taken to inhibit the spread of the disease and its transmitters.
The coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has certainly grabbed the attention of the world, governments and financial markets. Let's take a look at what the virus is, how it is spread and what we can do to help control the virus. For latest information and warnings you can check the World Health Organization and other relevant authorities to keep abreast.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. Much of what is currently known about it and how it spreads is based on what we know about similar viruses.
What can you do against COVID-19?
Personal hygiene and distance (>2 m) from sick people is important, but an effective prevention strategy should include several or all of the following:
- they can provide additional air cleaning capabilities for buildings without any high efficiency filtration system
- Make sure to use high quality products with good filters. Low quality air cleaners can do more harm than good by creating a turbulent air flow while contributing little cleaning power
- dilution with fresh air should still be prioritized
- place the device as close as possible to your location, so you breathe the actual filtered air. The larger the distance to the AP, the higher the chance to inhale swirling contaminants which could include viruses.
- Activated carbon stage can remove hazardous gases released by cleaning agents (avoiding side effects from additional cleaning activity).
Reduce the risk of infection with professional HEPA filters and air purification systems
- increasing dilution with fresh outside air is most important
- use the same filter classes as generally recommended (e.g. at least ISO ePM1 50% with an ISO ePM10 pre-filter stage)
- maintain normal filter change intervals
- disable air re-circulation entirely or reduce it to a minimum
- if necessary increase fresh air dilution by frequently opening windows
- higher energy consumption should not be the main concern during these times
for healthcare and maintenance workers i.e. glasses, gloves, respirators, masks and clothing
move droplet nuclei out of breathing zones
In healthcare facilities, suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients should be placed in airborne infection isolation rooms with a negative pressure and appropriate HEPA or above filtration on the recirculation or exhaust air flows.
of contaminated air i. e. exhaust too close to HVAC air intakes
Check that all filters are operating effectively. And, when it’s time to change filters, take care not to release any viruses that have collected on the filter media into the internal environment – remembering that SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to several days on surfaces. Dispose of any contaminated waste according to the guidelines in your location.
