Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 12) — The Department of Health on Monday released new guidelines including encouraging the holding of activities in open air spaces instead enclosed ones to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, which some experts say circulate in the air.
In Memorandum 2020-0429 released to the media on Monday, DOH also advised that exhaust ventilators be used to ensure the air is moving freely. When inside a vehicle, passengers must avoid using the option for recirculated air, saying it’s better to use the car’s vent or lower the windows to bring in fresh air from outside.
Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said the preventive measures are being stressed even as experts have yet to conclude studies that SARS-COV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is airborne.
DOH added that exhaust fans must be kept open, such as in public restrooms. It also advised that toilet lids be closed while flushing to minimize the release of droplets into the air.
People should also not stay directly under the flow of air coming from electric fans or air conditioners, it added. An outbreak occurred in a South Korean coffee shop in August due to poor ventilation and non-wearing of face masks.
“Habang wala pa pong conclusive na evidence ang aiborne transmission nirerekomenda na ng DOH na tayo ay maniguro para masiguro na may sapat na ventilation ang enclosed spaces, ating workplaces, ating comfort rooms, sa mga sasakyan,” she said in an online media forum.
[Translation: While there is no conclusive evidence of airborne transmission, DOH is recommending proper ventilation in enclosed spaces such as workplaces, comfort rooms, and vehicles, to be sure.]
The coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets. Many researchers and doctors have been saying for months that people could catch the virus from droplets floating in the air. Last week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged published studies that transmission occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces.
RELATED: US CDC again updates guidance to say COVID-19 can spread by airborne transmission
