Study: Room Ventilation Needed To Fight Covid - 19
Researchers using Japan's latest supercomputer say they have found that some face masks can help block viral droplets, but thorough room ventilation is still needed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
A team from the RIKEN research institute led by Kobe University Professor Tsubokura Makoto studied the effectiveness of masks against viral droplets emitted by others while sneezing, coughing or other means. They used the next-generation supercomputer Fugaku.
They say masks made of unwoven fabric can block about two thirds of droplets even if there is a gap between the mask and the skin.
But they say the masks cannot prevent droplets of less than 20 micrometers.
The team also released a video simulating ventilation in a classroom. They switched on an air conditioner placed along the windows on one side of the room, and found that ventilation was best when the windows or doors at diagonal corners of the room were opened.
The team plans to conduct simulations of viral droplets on public transportation including buses and airplanes as well as in shopping facilities.
Tsubokura said he wants to make proposals on the introduction of equipment and other ways to reduce infection risks.
