With the current high heat wave, the use of air conditioners and fans is almost inevitable. But precautionary measures in the face of the risks of transmission of Covid-19 are essential.
In the upheavals it has caused, the health crisis has raised questions that we did not ask ourselves before. We now see it with the heat wave that is raging in France. Indeed, if it would be tempting to use fans and air conditioners to cool businesses, shops and homes, their use should not be taken lightly. In question: the main mode of transmission of Covid-19, that is to say “through respiratory droplets expelled through the nose or mouth”according to the definition of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, which may present risks with the use of these devices.
“In the event of a group of people in a common room, many hypotheses and questions start from the principle that there is a risk of associating in the same room contaminated people and healthy people because of the possible asymptomatic nature of the attack. by Covid-19. The fear is then to favor contamination by the aerosolization of viral particles”can we read in a opinion issued on May 6 by the High Council for Public Health.
Ensure that the air is renewed regularly
According to the instance, the fan projects the respiratory droplets of everyone in the room creating a large air movement, which makes “inoperative the safety distance” between each. Thereby, “in collective spaces of small volume, closed or incompletely open”such as classrooms and establishments for the elderly, its use is contraindicated as long as several people are present, even if they are wearing a mask.
For a single person, the use of the fan is not prohibited. Nevertheless, in a document published on May 21, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health recommends switching off the device before another person enters the room. Finally, whether you are alone or in a group, you should ensure that the air is renewed regularly, at least for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day.
Mandatory regular maintenance and cleaning for air conditioners
When a room air conditioner is used, the Ministry recommends the use “the most efficient filters possible in terms of health, in connection with the technical compatibility of the installation”, such as HEPA products. Filters should also be removed, then periodically cleaned and reinstalled. “Periodically changing filters with new ones can help improve indoor air quality”, indicates the instance. Another important point: make sure that maintenance is carried out regularly.
The same recommendations apply to the use of a collective air conditioner. In addition, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health recommends checking that there is no mixing between the air taken back from the premises and the fresh air in the air handling units. Objective : “prevent the possible recirculation of viral particles in all the premises by the blown air”. If necessary, it is necessary to disconnect the heat exchanges to have only one system known as “everything looks new”.
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