Masks and closed-loop ventilators prevent environmental contamination by COVID-19 patients in negative-pressure environments

J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2021 Feb;54(1):81-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.05.002. Epub 2020 May 15.

Abstract

Herein, we report that nosocomial infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be mitigated by using surgical masks and closed looped ventilation for both non-critical and critical patients. These preventive measures resulted in no viral contamination of surfaces in negative pressure environments.

Keywords: COVID-19; Environmental sampling; RT-PCR; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 / transmission
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Female
  • Fomites / virology*
  • Hospital Units
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Male
  • Masks*
  • Patient Isolators*
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / isolation & purification*
  • Ventilators, Mechanical / virology*