What are airborne transmissions?

Airborne transmissions occur when an individual inhales aerosols produced when an infected person exhales, speaks, sneezes or coughs. According to The Lancet report, there are particles of the coronavirus disease in the air, or aerosols. These have been given different names throughout the pandemic such as droplets or droplet nuclei, but they are all essentially aerosols that can be inhaled, regardless of size or distance. These can even enter ventilation filters and air ducts.

How can we prevent airborne transmission?

One of the most effective ways to prevent airborne transmission is to improve indoor ventilation and air quality. This is because tiny particles can remain in the air and if inhaled can cause transmission. Other methods of safety protocol should remain in place to prevent all possible routes of transmission. These include wearing masks, reducing the amount of people gathering indoors, and social distancing. The quality and fit of face coverings also impact on how effective they are in protecting you against airborne transmissions. Tiny particles could otherwise pass through.

Are covid restrictions changing?

Now restrictions are being eased in several parts of the world, there needs to be a focus on indoor ventilation. For example, business owners that are reopening should reconsider their workplace layout. This means social distancing, ventilation, and minimizing the amount of employees indoors at one time. There are other benefits to improving the air quality in the workplace. It helps to reduce allergens and other respiratory viruses in the air. This will boost employee well-being overall and increase productivity. As well as in the workplace, it’s also vital to improve the air quality in healthcare and educational environments, as we adjust to living with Covid in the long-term.

Are people changing their attitude to the pandemic?