Indian govt lists steps to improve indoor ventilation in view of COVID transmission

The government of India on Thursday issued new guidelines on ways to improve ventilation inside homes and workspaces to lower the potential for COVID-19 transmission, amid increasing evidence of coronavirus spreading through aerosols across long distances. The principal scientific adviser to the government states took to Twitter that saliva and nasal discharge in the form of droplets and aerosols can carry the virus from one person to another. He added that droplets and aerosols become concentrated in closed un-ventilated indoor spaces, increasing the risk of transmission to people in the area. The guidelines also mentioned that hospitals and health centres must ensure that vaccinations are carried out in well-ventilated and directional air-flow controlled areas. Let's look at some of the ways that can help reduce the virus concentration in an enclosed room, workspace or public transport.

Ventilation at home

The placement of fans is the key. One should avoid placing fans in a way that could potentially cause contaminated air to flow directly to someone else. The instalment of an exhaust fan can help create the ideal airflow for maximum protection from indoor infection. The pedestal fan can also be turned into an exhaust fan by turning it to face outdoors. The exhaust fans need to be operational if the windows and doors are shut.

Ventilation in hutments

It is advised to place jaali/air outlets with exhaust fans by gram panchayats in village homes where there is no cross-ventilation. One can also keep the door ajar and an open window on the other side. A low-power exhaust fan can also greatly enhance circulation.

Ventilation in workspaces

The windows and doors should be kept ajar, helping running ACs bring in clean air and dilute virus particles. With the windows and doors shut, ACs trap infected air inside the room and increase the risk of transmission from an infected carrier to others. A gable or exhaust fan can also be added for maximum air circulation.

Ventilation using centralised air management systems

Roof ventilators and HEPA/regular filters are recommended in offices, auditoriums, shopping malls. Such filters must be regularly cleaned or replaced.

Ventilation in public transport

The windows should be kept open in buses and trains. A cross-flow of air should be ensured in the public transport vehicles. The exhaust systems should be introduced to improve airflow in air-conditioned buses and trains.