Ventilation key to preventing infection, say experts

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Saturday, 14 November 2020 12:14

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

Keeping rooms well ventilated is a good way to help reduce coronavirus infections, Herefordshire health experts say.

Ross-on-Wye GP Simon Lennane spoke of how opening windows and reducing the time people spend with each other in an enclosed space can lowerthe risk of catching Covid-19.

He said this could be another good measure to help prevent the spread of infection.

“There was concern about the virus being transmitted either by droplets or fomites which are basically surfaces which have the virus on it,” he said during a live Facebook event hosted by Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust.

“What we are recognising more and more is that the spread seems to be airborne.

“One of the really important things to be doing is changing the air space you are in more and more.

“The closer you are to someone infected and the longer you are near to them the less protection you’ve got and the more likely you are to get an infectious dose of coronavirus.”

Public health director for Herefordshire Karen Wright also said that opening windows to get ventilation can help prevent the disease from spreading.

“If you are going into a home and you are in a bubble with someone who is vulnerable, then obviously maintaining your two-metre distance but getting ventilation into the space that is really helpful.

“And likewise, in workplaces it helps change the air which is really good for us.

“If you have got somebody vulnerable and have to go into a car or are car sharing. We try to get people to avoid this as much as possible.

“But you should be wearing the mask if not use a face covering.

“Again, have someone sat in the front of the car and someone in the back and use ventilation.

“Open the windows and keep that air circulating.”