Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. However, some uncertainty remains about the relative importance of different routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is growing evidence that this virus can remain airborne for longer times and further distances than originally thought. In addition to close contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces, there is a possibility that spread of COVID-19 may also occur via airborne particles in indoor environments, in some circumstances beyond the 2 m (about 6 ft) range encouraged by social distancing recommendations. See Science and Technical Resources related to Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19) or Indoor Air and COVID-19 Key References and Publications for technical information.
However, there are straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce potential airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the focus of this material is on those measures. The layout and design of a building, as well as occupancy and type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, can all impact potential airborne spread of the virus. Although improvements to ventilation and air cleaning cannot on their own eliminate the risk of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, EPA recommends precautions to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of the virus. These precautions include increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration as part of a larger strategy that includes social distancing, wearing cloth face coverings or masks, surface cleaning and disinfecting, handwashing, and other precautions. By themselves, measures to reduce airborne exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 are not enough since airborne transmission is not the only way exposure to SARS-CoV-2 could potentially occur.
- How to Protect Yourself and Others
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
- Community, Work and School: Cleaning and Disinfecting
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Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Resources Related to Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Indoor Air in Homes and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Additional Measures to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces
- COVID-19, Wildfires, and Indoor Air Quality
- Science and Technical Resources related to Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Please supplement this information with the latest advice from state, local, Tribal and federal agencies.