Improving ventilation for COVID-19 safety

Improving ventilation for COVID-19 safety.

Professor Brett Sutton

Chief Health Officer

The risk of COVID-19 spreading in crowded, indoor spaces is much higher than outdoors.

This is because COVID-19 is airborne – a fine aerosol spray from an infected person can stay in the air and spread to others.

Improving indoor air flow can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in your home or workplace.

There are simple things you can do to improve ventilation and make your space more COVIDSafe. Some of the best methods are easy and low-cost.

Natural Ventilation.

You can improve natural ventilation by opening windows, and leaving doors open in hallways and corridors. Do it whenever you can.

If possible, reduce or limit the number of people indoors. Use electrical fans or ceiling fans on the lowest setting to increase airflow.

Mechanical Ventilation.

You can also reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission using mechanical methods.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (or HVAC) systems increase air flow by bringing fresh air in from outside. They also filter air quality.

You can improve this type of mechanical ventilation by:

cleaning your air grills and vents regularly,

changing the settings on your system to increase the amount of outdoor air being brought inside, and

installing or replacing your system’s filter with one that has a higher grade.

Portable air cleaners.

Portable air cleaner units can also help to improve air quality by reducing the number of viral particles in the air.

If you need more tailored advice, occupational physicians and ventilation specialists can help find the right mechanical ventilation solution for you.

You can find more information on how to improve ventilation and stay safe on coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

So live an outdoors life where you can.

And remember – having good ventilation at home, at work and in places we get together is an important way we can all stay COVIDSafe.

For more information visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.