Airborne Transmission of COVID-19 – Measures to be taken indoors

<!--HTML--><p><span><span>Abstract: </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many scientists and engineers have raised awareness with the scientific community on the possibility of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in closed spaces. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>From the beginning, the COVID-related Health &amp; Safety measures at CERN were not only based on the Host States’ instructions and WHO guidance, but also included the possibility of airborne transmission in closed spaces, despite the fact that at the time the risk of airborne transmission in public settings wasn’t fully recognized.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Nowadays, with more data on the virus and the acknowledgement of this risk by the scientific community, advisory bodies and governmental agencies, we can use this new information to better prepare our workplaces by taking into account this particular mode of transmission.&nbsp; This is especially important during the winter period. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>The HSE Unit has prepared a simplified model to estimate the impact of the different measures that could reduce the risk of airborne transmission in closed spaces – COVID Airborne Risk Assessment (CARA) .</span></span></p> <p><span><span>This talk will provide a short overview on the airborne transmission of COVID-19, as well as an introduction to the CARA tool.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>