Focus: Infection Control

Study says coronavirus may linger in the air in patient bathrooms, staff areas

Researchers also found the concentration of the virus' genetic material in isolation wards and ventilated patient rooms was very low


The new coronavirus may linger in patients toilet areas, medical staff areas and areas prone to crowding, according to an article on the Becker’s Hospital Review website.

A study, published in Nature, examined the presence of the new coronavirus' genetic material in fine airborne particles in different areas of two Wuhan hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak in February and March.

Researchers found the concentration of the virus' genetic material  in isolation wards and ventilated patient rooms was very low. But it was high in the patients' toilet areas, as well as two public areas prone to crowding.

They also found that in some medical staff areas that initially that high concentrations of the virus had their levels decreased until the virus was undetectable after rigorous sanitization.

Read the article.

 



May 11, 2020


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Hospitals as Energy Microgrids: Ensuring Power Grid Independence

Resilient hospitals could become energy microgrids that generate, store and managing electricity while remaining connected to the wider grid.


Baystate Health Integrates Baystate Mercy Hospital into System

Over the past seven months, Baystate Health has been preparing to integrate Baystate Mercy Hospital and its affiliated clinics.


HCA Healthcare Reports Cybersecurity Incident

The organization identified suspicious activity on Aug. 12, 2026, and took steps to secure the affected systems.


How Retail Design Can Improve the Healthcare Patient Experience

Healthcare facilities can adapt retail design principles to improve patient comfort, streamline check-in and reuse existing spaces.


Jefferson Health Breaks Ground on Lehigh Valley Hospital—Coopersburg

It is expected to open in late 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.