Ventilation key component in reducing spread of COVID-19 government film reveals

The film illustrates how coronavirus lingers in the air in spaces with no fresh air, and how the risk can be reduced significantly by regularly ventilating enclosed areas.

Research shows that being in a room with fresh air can reduce your risk of infection from particles by over 70%, as fresh air dilutes the particles.

As we spend more time indoors, experts are recommending that people either:

• Open windows for short, sharp bursts of 10 to 15 minutes regularly throughout the day
• Leave windows open a small amount continuously

Airing indoor spaces is particularly important when:

• People have visitors (when permitted) or tradespeople in their home, for example for construction or emergencies
• Someone from a support bubble is meeting with another household indoors
• A care worker is seeing a patient indoors
• Someone in the household has the virus, as this can help prevent transmission to other household members

Coronavirus is spread through the air by droplets and smaller particles (known as aerosols) that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they breathe, speak, or cough. 

Being indoors, with no fresh air, the particles can remain suspended in the air for hours and build up over time.

GP Dr. Amir Khan, advises, 

"You should let fresh air into your home when you have any visitors and just after they leave in case they are infected. Remember, opening windows alongside washing your hands, covering your face, and making space is also essential in reducing your risk of COVID-19.

Ventilation to provide fresh air in enclosed spaces is just as important as the other actions, so remember this as well as ‘Hands, Face, Space’. These are the most effective ways we can all control the spread of the virus.

Visit gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.