The influence of ventilation on the development of COVID-19 clusters in childcare centres

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus has highlighted the importance of proper ventilation in reducing the transmission of airborne diseases. This thesis discusses the impact of poor ventilation on the spread of the virus, with a focus on Childcare Centres (CCCs) in Singapore. The study is a cross-sectional investigation conducted from March 2022 to January 2023, which uses a case-control design to analyse the ventilation systems of 112 CCCs in the country. The findings suggest that air-conditioned CCCs have lower air exchange rates than naturally ventilated (NV) ones, with NV being a more effective means of reducing cross-infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study highlights the importance of incorporating NV as an integral part of building design and operation, while also recognising the challenges of implementing NV in all settings. Future studies can build upon these findings to further refine and optimise NV strategies to not only mitigate the risk of infectious transmission in indoor environments, but also to ensure human comfort and productivity. Overall, this thesis provides valuable insights into the role of ventilation in managing the transmission of COVID-19, and underscores the importance of prioritising healthy building design in the post-pandemic world.