Maintaining safe office spaces to minimise risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted within offices. Traditional respiratory transmission modes have undergone reassessment and a new paradigm has emerged. This paradigm needs examining prior to identifying control measures to prevent office acquired infections (OAI). METHODS: An ongoing assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 transmission literature, including international public health guidance, began 30/1/2020 and continued to submission 7/2/2022. The evidence for the established respiratory transmission paradigm (either droplet or aerosols) and that of a newly emerging paradigm (aerosol and/or droplets) were explored. Based on the new paradigm control measures needed to minimise OAI were produced. RESULTS: The old paradigm of respiratory transmission of being either droplet or airborne cannot be evidenced. SARS-CoV-2 is emitted in virus laden particles that can be inhaled and/or sprayed on facial mucous membranes (Airborne being the dominant route). Office hygiene measures include: minimising the opportunities for the virus to enter the building. Reducing the susceptibility of people to the virus. Minimising exposure risks within offices, and optimising success in deployment. CONCLUSION: Standard office hygiene precautions are needed to reduce OAI risks from SARS-CoV-2. Efforts should focus on enabling the smooth functioning of the office whilst minimising risks that the virus will transmit therein. This includes: local risk assessments as transmission risks vary based on building design, ventilation, capacity, and ways of working. Additionally, using experts to optimise ventilation systems.