The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is highly contagious and can spread indoors through the air. Very fine droplets and particles can accumulate in a room or space, and an infected person can be exposed by coughing or talking near them. WHO and other health authorities have not yet provided clear guidance on how to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 indoors. Jose-Luis Jiménez, an atmospheric chemist at the University of Colorado at Boulder, believes that WHO needs to recognize that the virus is airborne.
“We need to acknowledge that it's going through the air,” Jiménez says, “we breathe it.” So what can you do to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 indoors? Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Increase ventilation in your home or workspace by opening windows and doors.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne particles.
- Avoid overcrowding in indoor spaces.
- Wear a face mask when indoors.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.
