Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems in Public Spaces

Abstract

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a common and important part of building operations for both health care and non-health care settings, including schools and workplaces. More robust, published, peer-reviewed evidence is needed in order to provide recommendations about the potential role HVAC systems play in spreading and/or mitigating the risk of transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Therefore, until the evidence base suggests otherwise, the most substantial risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is from close personal contact. As such, public health recommendations regarding hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, physical distancing, wearing non-medical masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects with appropriate and safe products and methods remain critical.