It is said that space blocking by acrylic panels and vinyl sheets, which are widely used as a measure to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, may cause air to stay and adversely affect ventilation, resulting in microdroplet infection. It was discovered by Professor Shinji Yokokawa of the University of Electro-Communications i-Powered Energy Systems Research Center.
According to the University of Electro-Communications, researchers from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health and the Miyagi Prefectural Tuberculosis Prevention Association also participated in the research group.
The research group has been conducting a field survey since April following the outbreak of a new corona cluster in Miyagi prefecture, which is believed to be caused by microdroplet infection.In the office where the cluster occurred, vinyl sheets with a height of 4 meters were installed so as to separate the rows of desks facing each other as a measure against splash infection, but this shielding divided the room into five sections, two of which A cluster has occurred in the parcel.
Upon examination, it was found that ventilation was not functioning well in the area where the clusters occurred.By shielding with a vinyl sheet, it is believed that there was infection by micro-sprays in the compartment.It was also proved from the analysis results by thermo-fluid simulation.
The research group concludes that it is necessary to provide sufficient ventilation in each section when taking measures against splashes with acrylic panels and vinyl sheets.
Paper information:[MedRxiv (preprint service)] Experimental investigation to verify if excessive plastic sheeting shielding produce micro clusters of SARS-CoV-2
