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Can COVID-19 spread through ventilation or air conditioning?

There is a case in China where the spread of COVID-19 is attributed to the air conditioning in a restaurant. The viruses would spread from one table to another through the airflow. This method of spread could also occur with a simple fan.

In South Korea there is also a call center where the infection has spread in one unit. A super spreader could be the cause, but spread through air conditioning and ventilation could not be ruled out. The use of mechanical ventilation could therefore pose a problem for the spread of the infection. In addition, during the heat exchange of ventilation, contact can also occur between cold fresh air and warm air coming from the building. Asking the installer for advice is highly recommended.

On April 29, 2020, Sciensano indicated in the press conference that air conditioning and ventilation do not pose a risk to the spread of COVID-19. The droplets released by speaking and coughing would be too heavy to be carried through the air.

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/7/20-0764_article

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025

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