OMAHA- Experts now say air quality and ventilation is among the most important variable in the fight against coronavirus that is being overlooked by schools, businesses and workplaces. This idea has started to gain more traction in the past week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledge that the virus can spread through airborne particles, however their data still suggests it is much more common to spread through contact with an infected person.

Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC, says there is not much to worry about when it comes to individual offices. However, cubicles present more of a concern, making working from home, if possible, the best option.

A newly published study shows there is a lower chance of contracting COVID-19 on an airplane than it is in an office building, classroom, supermarket or train. Two of the study's authors are tied to the airline industry.

John Lowe, assistant vice chancellor for health security at UNMC, says it is important to filter indoor air with outdoor air whenever possible. The standard HVAC system uses 80% of air and brings in 20% of outdoor air. Schools have been tweaking their systems to maximize the amount of outdoor air they are able to let in, many are increasing from 30% to 50% fresh air. Older schools have been leaving windows open and installing fans in the windows to push out old air. This will obviously start to be less possible as the winter months approach.

ACCESSbank in Omaha has been a leader in COVID-19 protocols. The bank has required employees to wear masks since the beginning and has done everything the CDC has requested businesses do. They have additional paid sick leave and pays for their employees tests.

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