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Source: EPA COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from
person-to-person. However, some uncertainty remains about the relative
importance of different routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that
causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is growing evidence that this
virus can remain airborne for longer times and further distances than
originally thought. In addition to close contact with infected people and
contaminated surfaces, there is a possibility that spread of COVID-19 may also
occur via airborne particles in indoor environments, in some circumstances
beyond the 2 m (about 6 ft) range encouraged by social distancing
recommendations. See Science and Technical Resources related to Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19) or
Indoor Air and COVID-19 Key References and Publications for technical
information.However, there are straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce potential airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the focus of this material is on those measures. The layout and design of a building, as well as occupancy and type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, can all impact potential airborne spread of the virus. Although improvements to ventilation and air cleaning cannot on their own eliminate the risk of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, EPA recommends precautions to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of the virus. These precautions include increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration as part of a larger strategy that includes social distancing, wearing cloth face coverings or masks, surface cleaning and
disinfecting, handwashing, and other precautions. By themselves, measures to
reduce airborne exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 are not enough since
airborne transmission is not the only way exposure to SARS-CoV-2 could
potentially occur. For more infomation, click here.
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