Abstract View
No SARS-CoV-2 Detected in Environmental Samples Collected at a Fitness Center That Reopened Following CDC Guidelines
HONGWAN LI, Sripriya Nannu Shankar, Chiran Witanachchi, John Lednicky, Julia Loeb, Md. Mahbubul Alam, Z. Hugh Fan, Karim Mohamed, Arantzazu Eiguren-Fernandez, Chang-Yu Wu, University of Florida
Abstract Number: 136
Working Group: Bioaerosols
Abstract
Fitness centers are considered high risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission due to their high human occupancy and the type of human activity that takes place in them, especially when individuals pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic for COVID-19 exercise in them. In this study, air (N=21) and surface (N=8) samples were collected five times from August to November 2020 at a fitness center. The total attendance throughout samplings was ~2500 of patrons. Air samples were collected using BioSpot-VIVAS, VIVAS, PTFE filters in in-line holders, and NIOSH bioaerosol samplers. Moistened flocked nylon swabs were used to collect samples from high-touch surfaces. We did not detect SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR analyses in any air or surface sample. A simplified infection risk model based on the Wells-Riley equation predicts that the probability of infection in this fitness center is 1.77% following its ventilation system upgrades based on CDC guidelines, and that risk was further reduced to 0.89% when patrons used face masks. The combination of high ventilation, minimal air recirculation, air filtration, and UV sterilization of recirculated air reduced the infection risk up to 94% compared to poorly ventilated facilities. Amongst these measures, high ventilation with outdoor air is most critical in reducing the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. For buildings that cannot avoid air recirculation due to energy costs, the use of high filtration and air disinfection devices are mandatory to reduce the probability of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 through inhalation exposure. The infection risk in fitness centers that follow CDC reopening guidance including implementation of engineering and administrative controls, and use of personal protective equipment, can be low, and these facilities can offer a relatively safe venue for patrons to exercise.