HCDC: There is no scientific basis for SARS-CoV-2 transmission through apartment ventilation

In recent days, there have been many opinions that,SARS-CoV-2 viruscan be transmitted through the ventilation system of the apartment building. This causes confusion and anxiety for many people, especially those living in buildings where the epidemic is complicated.

Dr. Nguyen Hong Tam, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), said that there has been no research proving that the virus causing Covid-19 is transmitted through the ventilation system of apartment buildings. "This information is still problematic, it is only at the level of speculation, scientific research is needed," said Dr. Tam.

According to Dr. Tam, based on scientific research, the Delta strain can be transmitted through the air. However, the virus does not survive in the air for long, and if exposed to hot weather, the virus will die quickly.

Spraying disinfectant chemicals in Vinh City. Photo courtesy of Thanh Cuong

“In an apartment building, an F0 case usually transmits the disease to others through contact with each other, taking the same elevator or at a certain activity point in the building,” Dr. Tam said.

Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, also said that to reach a conclusion, epidemiologists must go to the place where the infection is occurring to conduct research. “If we just make assumptions and say there is a direct source of infection, there is no scientific basis,” Dr. Chau said.

According to Dr. Truong Huu Khanh - Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital 1, people living in apartment buildings with F0 patients need to pay attention to hallways, common walkways, door handles and elevators. Because these places are part of the reason why people living in the building can be infected.