By Rathindra Kuruwita

Proper ventilation in buildings is as important as washing hands and other COVID-19 prevention measures, Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) President Dr. LakKumar Fernando says.

Dr. Fernando said: “Virus load plays a part in the transmission of the virus. Thus, the chance of infection is low if there is a way of diluting the virus, killing it or dispersing it,” he said. Even if people gathered in an enclosed space for a longer period of time, wearing masks, they still can get infected as the duration of exposure also matters.”

The AMS President added that most offices now operated in air conditioned enclosures and that increases the chances of transmitting the virus. 

“If we can open windows and doors, the virus will be dispersed and get killed off outside possibly due to heat and humidity before it can re-circulate. Given that we might have to live with COVID19 for years to come , we need to make engineering and architectural adjustments to our buildings,” Dr. Fernando said, adding that Sri Lanka was at an advantageous position compared to countries with colder climates.

The AMS President urged the government to introduce guidelines on ventilating office spaces and devising a mechanism to check if the guidelines were followed. “Having 10 – 15 people working in a room is as bad as having the same number of people partying. We must also encourage hotels and convention centres to increase ventilation once we reopen. We must make these adjustments as a part of the new normal.”