Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 20: With the new evidence revealing that COVID-19 spreads through the air, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today called for an urgent change of safety norms.
In a statement issued here, DAK President, Dr Nisar Ul Hassan said that we need to focus on measures that would prevent airborne transmission of the virus which is now considered to be the primary route of spread.
“Improving indoor ventilation would help tackle airborne transmission; opening windows for proper ventilation could be a significant measure at controlling the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
Dr Nisar said that the simple measure plays a critical role in removing contaminated air and protecting people “In mechanically ventilated buildings, ventilation is typically provided by heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.”
DAK President said: “upgrading ventilation systems to improve ventilation rates and eliminate air-recirculation would help reduce the risk of airborne infection”
He said that the use of sufficient and effective ventilation in public buildings including hospitals, shops, offices, restaurants, elevators, schools, conference rooms or public transport would be a critical measure to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.
“Till now, large droplet transmission was considered to be the main mode of transmission, and emphasis was laid on staying 2 meters apart from the next person, cleaning surfaces and wearing gloves,” Dr Nisar said.
He said that masks usually impede large droplets from landing on covered areas, and most are at least partially effective against inhalation of aerosols.
“Both high filtration efficiency and a good fit are needed to enhance protection against aerosols because tiny airborne particles can find their way around any gap between mask and face,” he said.
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