The office of the principal scientific adviser to the Government of India, K VijayRaghavan, has issued detailed guidelines on preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and how ventilation plays a key role.
As per the advisory, tweeted by VijayRaghavan: “Better the cross-ventilation, lower the risk of transmission.” He advised to let outdoor airflow in to displace indoor air. This directional airflow and improved ventilation can lower the potential for infection from accumulated viral load in closed spaces as the virus spreads from human to human through saliva and nasal respiratory discharge.
“In closed indoor spaces, droplets, and aerosols become quickly concentrated, greatly increase the risk of transmission to people in the area. Just as smells can be diluted by ventilation, high concentrations of the virus can be reduced by ensuring that outdoor air flows in,” VijayRaghavan tweeted.
As per the guidelines issued today, a good ventilation is to keep windows and doors open, both shut is an example of poor ventilation. Adding an exhaust system makes the ventilation system ideal, it provides maximum protection from indoor infection.
For this “fan placement is important. Avoid placing fans in a way that could potentially cause contaminated air to flow directly to someone else. Installing an exhaust fan is important. Keep exhaust fans running if the windows and doors are shut,” read the guidelines.
Running ACs while keeping windows and doors shut, traps infected air inside the room, and increases the risk of transmission from an infected carrier to others. “In rooms set the A/C so that inside air is renewed. Keep windows and doors slightly ajar. Use gable/exhaust fans. Pay attention to ventilation in toilets. Mask up in toilets,” the principal scientific adviser said.
Keep the door ajar and an open window on the other side; a low-power exhaust fan can greatly enhance circulation, suggested the advisory. It was also advised to not wash surgical masks while reusing it. On the other hand, cloth masks can be washed.
Meanwhile, the principal scientific adviser also said that the ASHA [Accredited Social Health Activist]/anganwadi/health workers must be trained, protected for conducting Rapid Antigen Test and help make Rapid Antigen Testing widely available. They should also be provided with oximeters to monitor the infected person. “Health workers must be given an N95 mask even if they are vaccinated,” he tweeted.
Recently, Gaon Connection reported how most of these frontline workers are stepping out everyday for screening rural households, without safety gear. They complain they have not been provided masks, sanitisers, gloves, and rightful remuneration this year.
