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SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Transmission and Infection Risk Estimation of In-Person Lectures in a University Classroom
BO YANG, Khaled Hashad, K. Max Zhang, Cornell University
Abstract Number: 609
Working Group: The Role of Aerosol Science in the Understanding of the Spread and Control of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases
Abstract
Many schools were closed due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which caused by the Coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2. Recent but limited studies showed that the virus can be transmitted by aerosol particles generated from human breath. A lot of interventions, such as social distancing, facial masks, and handwashing have been measured to slow down the transmissions. However, there is no direct measure to prevent aerosol transmission. The situation might become worse given many universities announced the in-person lectures will be resumed in the 2020 fall semester. Students, faculty, and staff are becoming vulnerable and the medical system is facing huge potential pressure. The goal of this study is to simulate the SARS-Cov-2 aerosol transmission in a typical university classroom, estimate the infection risk and propose potential interventions. Airflow pattern in a university classroom was analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with the aerosol dynamics. Aerosol particles generated from sneezing, coughing, talking, and breathing will be simulated with considering parameters including classroom occupancy, ventilation rate, temperature, humidity, with or without wearing masks, and infectious person number. The CFD and aerosol dynamics simulation results will be compared with the Fate and Transport of Indoor Microbiological Aerosols (FaTIMA) tool developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The minimum ventilation rate and the maximum occupancy rate will be provided to keep students and faculty safe in the classroom.