Non-compliance with ventilation rules also seen as factor in COVID-19 case surge —DOH exec

Non-compliance by some establishments to the government-set standards on proper ventilation is seen as a "compounding factor" in the dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, a health official said Tuesday.

"We know that ventilation is a very big driver of transmission, and so in certain areas and establishments that have still not complied with ventilation standards, mahihirapan din po tayo, isang compounding factor po," said Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Director IV of the Department of Health, in an interview on Unang Hirit.

Ho said based on standards set by the Department of Labor and Employment, workplaces should have proper circulation of air to avoid possible COVID-19 transmission

"Very simply po ang preference is talagang may very good air circulation, so kung maaari po nakabukas talaga yung mga bintana instead of nakakulob tayo na naka-aircon," she said.

(The preference is to have very good air circulation, so as much as possible the windows should be open.)

On Monday, the Philippines reported another record high of 5,404 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total tally to 626,893.

It was the highest reported daily number of cases in seven months even as five laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Ho cited "breaches in protocol in minimum public standard worsened by more transmissible COVID-19 variants" as factors that contributed to the surge.

She also increased mobility of people connected to the government's efforts to reopen the economy is also a contributing factor.

"All these bring about increased transmission," Ho said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on March 3 signed Department Order 224-21 which spelled out the fresh rules for private establishments and public transport.

The set of guidelines include the installation and utilization of exhaust fans in indoor workplaces, restrooms and water closets; ventilation in air, rail, land, and sea transport, and other measures to improve and maintain the quality of air in the workplace and public transportation.

Adequate ventilation should be strictly enforced inside the workplace, the Labor department said.

The DOLE said properly maintained ventilation within a building and other indoor workplaces eliminate contaminated air and reduce the risks of exposure to potentially virus-contaminated air.

For non-air-conditioned spaces, the guidelines recommend maximizing natural ventilation through the use of doors, windows, and other openings. If natural ventilation is not feasible or inadequate, mechanical ventilation shall be provided.

For air-conditioned spaces and Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, the outdoor air supply should conform to the recommended breathing zone ventilation rates for air dilution and comfort control.

The said ventilation system is also recommended to be utilized for at least 30 minutes before and after spaces are occupied.   —KBK, GMA News