International News
CONCLUSION
The number of individuals who have contracted COVID-19 or have
been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 has been increasing dramatically.
Over a decade of microbiology of the BE research has been
reviewed to provide the most up-to-date knowledge into the
control and mediation of common pathogen exchange pathways
and mechanisms in the BE.
We hope this information can help to inform the decisions
and infection control mechanisms that are implemented by
corporate entities, federal, state, county and city governments,
universities, school districts, health care facilities, assisted
living organisations, daycares, homeowners, and other building
owners and occupants to reduce the potential for transmission
through BE mediated pathways.
*Part 1 was published in RACA Journal May 2020.
Source: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak: A Review of the
Current Literature and Built Environment Considerations to
Reduce Transmission.
ABOUT THE REPORT
Documented by Dr Walter Hugentobler, this literature
review gives valuable information for building operators
on actions they can take to mitigate the spread of
COVID-19.
Alongside the regular advice we hear from
governments on hand washing and social distancing,
its finding show that increasing air exchange rate,
maintaining indoor humidity at 40-60%RH (not
achievable in winter without active humidification) and
increasing natural light can all play a positive role.
The scientific studies referenced in the literature
review provide valuable insight into how we can create a
healthier built environment, not just at a time of crisis but
in our everyday lives. For instance, if hospitals and public
places kept their indoor humidity at the recommended
40-60%RH, many lives would be saved every year from
reduced flu transmission alone. RACA
12
RACA Journal I August 2020
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