Public health messaging about the importance of ventilation has been inadequate since the onset of the pandemic.
That's according to an expert group set up to advise the Government on the role of ventilation in fighting Covid-19.
#covidco2
Hairdressers and barbers were allowed to open in Ireland last week, so I lent a CO2 monitor to my friend Nora, who runs a hairdressing salon in Cork city.
The monitor (circled in red) was placed in the middle, unused station, 1-2 m from the chairs.
1/ pic.twitter.com/Cbyilx2aVh— John Wenger (@johnwenger9) May 16, 2021
Ventilation Can Reduce Infection Risk By 50%
Good ventilation is critical to suppressing Covid-19, but that message has never been at the forefront of the Government's communications.
That's the view of the Expert Group on the Role of Ventilation in Reducing Transmission of COVID-19.
Group Member Dr Orla Hegarty says increasing airflow indoors is vital.
"Infection risk indoors can be reduced by 50% with increased airflow."
Also, she says it can be reduced by, "almost 90% with airflow, filtration and wearing masks."
Dr Hegarty believes schools should be given CO2 monitors before Winter.
"You can, in real time, assess whether the risk conditions are rising."
"Then you can open the windows for 15 minutes."
I gave Nora some simple advice - keep a window open and increase ventilation if the CO2 level rises above 800 ppm.
Results from Day 1 show levels rise to around 800 ppm even with window open.
When Nora noticed this she opened the door slightly and the CO2 dropped rapidly.
— John Wenger (@johnwenger9) May 16, 2021
Educate The Public About Ventilation
Simon Jones, another member of the expert group, says improving ventilation doesn't need to be costly, it's about educating the public.
"Providing signposts and advice for every building owner to access consistent and technically correct information on ventilation."
The group says vaccines alone will not end the pandemic and tackling air quality indoors is key to fighting the spread of the virus.
