COVID-19 & Ventilation Issues

How does the coronavirus spread?

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through close contact.
• People without symptoms are able to spread the virus.  
• It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
• These facts support basic rules of behavior to reduce the spread of the virus:
  • Wear a mask
  • Keep a safe distance (six feet or more)
  • Avoid crowds
  • Wash your hands
  • Opt for the outdoors

Here in New England, being outdoors is not always possible or comfortable. What do we know about how the virus spreads indoors?

• Reports from several outbreak investigations have shown that the virus can spread particularly effectively in crowded, confined indoor spaces.
• The virus has been shown to spread via small droplets in the air, and via even smaller particles in the air called aerosols.
• Actions such as coughing, sneezing, shouting, or singing may release virus into the air with more force than simply breathing.  At times, these particles can travel up to 27 feet.
• Several reports suggest that the virus can be spread by the flow of air from air conditioning systems.
• Poor ventilation in confined indoor spaces is associated with increased spread of respiratory infections including COVID-19