The New Hampshire State Health Commissioner recently reported that an independent study ordered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) found no pattern related to the spread of the Coronavirus and nursing homes’ ventilation systems. Outside investigators conducted a review of the ventilation systems in 28 long-term care facilities across the state. Although the systems reviewed varied in age and design, there were no correlations found related to the systems and the virus.
The investigators did recommend that facilities increase the rate of air exchange in residents’ rooms and in common areas, and that ultraviolet light protection be added in the duct systems.
The DHS Commissioner issued a statement regarding the study. She said, “We have some facilities that have very modern air exchange systems where you have regular cycling of the air, and you have some facilities that don’t have a robust air exchange system, and both had outbreaks,” she said. “I thought that was going to make a significant difference, and it didn’t seem to have the impact that I thought it was going to have.”
The governor remarked about the study’s results saying, “There’s no doubt that clean air, fresh air, and a well-functioning air exchange system is really important to individuals’ health and being able to mitigate the virus.”
Compliance Perspective
Ensuring that a facility’s ventilation system is functioning properly and increasing the rate of the air exchange in residents’ rooms and common areas, along with adding ultraviolet light protection in the duct system, may help to mitigate the spread of an air-borne virus like COVID-19.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures that ensure the maintenance and monitoring of the effectiveness of the facility’s ventilation system. Consider options for increasing the rate of air exchange in residents’ rooms and common areas, as well as adding ultraviolet light protection in the duct systems.
- Train maintenance staff regarding the importance of having a well-functioning air exchange system and ensuring that the facility’s ventilation system is routinely monitored and maintained.
- Periodically audit to determine if the facility’s ventilation system is functioning properly and being maintained on a regular basis.
