White House releases ventilation guidelines meant to address indoor Covid spread

White House releases ventilation guidelines meant to address indoor Covid spread A statement from the White House says funds from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan can help upgrade air quality in schools and other public buildings. NBC News

The White House on Thursday released new ventilation and air quality guidelines for schools, colleges and other building owners and operators in an effort to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading indoors.

The guidance comes as many restrictions, including mask mandates, were lifted in recent weeks across the country as cases and hospitalizations continue to decline nationwide. The so-called Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, part of the Biden administration's new strategy for handling this phase of the Covid fight, addresses how improving indoor ventilation can help keep people safe — something many experts have been calling for throughout the pandemic.

The recommendations, published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, include creating an action plan to improve indoor air quality, optimizing fresh air ventilation, enhancing air filtration and engaging people in the community. In each of those four categories, the plan includes detailed steps for building operators to consider.

Some of the suggested measures are short-term improvements, such as using portable air cleaners in areas with poor air flow. Others require longer-term investments, including upgrading heating, venting and air conditioning, or HVAC, systems and installing extra ventilation. ...