3 Tips to Reduce Indoor Spread of COVID-19

By Dana Cruz Oct 01 2020, 04:01 AM EDT

COVID-19 has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as transmissible through tiny air particles, so an indoor spread is likely to happen.

Indoor spread can happen when people with COVID-19 talk, cough, or breathe. The proclamation led to more questions about airborne transmission of the virus.

Even more pressing questions on indoor spread are also likely to arise as schools and businesses start to reopen.

A crucial part of reducing the indoor spread of COVID-19 is managing air circulation. Using air circulation systems can help with this effort.

But a new study also concluded that these systems have limited ability to remove the virus from the air in rooms or buildings.

The more important part about using air circulation to your advantage is setting up the right systems.

There are many efforts the experts say may help, according to Healthline. These efforts won't cost too much time or money.

Here are some ways to reduce the indoor spread of COVID-19:

More Fresh Air Indoors

Opening windows and doors to get fresh air will help dilute the number of infected droplets within two minutes, said Rainald Lohner of George Mason University.

Using fresh air will make invisible infection clouds less infectious.

"The probability of infection increases with the time that particles remain in the room," Lohner said in a TODAY report. "And it also increases with the number of particles that you inhale. Ventilation is very important."

Opening windows to replace indoor air is the simplest and less costly ways to create better air circulation at home. But at school or certain buildings, not all windows can be opened.

Weather also plays a part in getting fresh air since you can't open your windows in the middle of very cold outside temperatures.

If you can't do this method, there are still other ways.

Upgrade Filters

Another effective option to improve air quality in indoor spaces is to have a room air filter or cleaner. These devices recycle and filter the air in a room, and can be handy if windows can't be opened.

Those who use this method will have to make sure the right size of the air cleaner for your room. People also have to ensure it has a certified air cleaning rate. A higher rate means better air quality.

Checking for a high-efficiency filter or HEPA is also important when getting air cleaners.

Wear Masks Properly

Masks are also effective in reducing aerosols that could cause the indoor spread of COVID-19.

Researchers are studying how well masks might reduce the risk of inhaling aerosols.

According to Linsey Marr, PhD, a Virginia Tech University civil and environmental engineering professor, a loosely tied bandana can block at least half of aerosols larger than two microns.

Marr also wrote in a New York Times article that softer fabrics work better for very small aerosols. She said stiffer fabrics tend to sit more awkwardly against the skin, creating gaps.

For masks, fit and proper use is always the key variable.

"It's going to be effective, but how effective it is depends on how rigorous the individual is," said Jiarong Hong, PhD, MS, of the University of Minnesota.