UEA study offers recommendations to reduce Covid-19 transmission in universities
Dec 18 2020
Universities should keep their windows fully open and students shouldn’t share personal items – according to new University of East Anglia research into reducing the spread of Covid-19.
A new study sets out the ‘critical control points’ where the risks of transmission between students are greatest – including in student accommodation, shared spaces, while queuing, on work placements and during teaching.
Importantly, it highlights areas where spread of the virus could be mitigated and reduced – by measures such as handwashing, mask-wearing, two-meter social distancing, keeping windows open and avoiding sharing personal items.
Researchers use HACCP framework to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in universities
Using the Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) framework, researchers assessed the risk and mitigation strategies for universities with students returning to campus. The methodology allowed a rapid response to curb disease transmission with continuing education.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has disrupted the entire world. Apart from its impact on public health, it has also caused great socio-economic harm, disrupting education, employment, and global GDP.
Although people under 25 years are probably the least affected by the virus medically, they will face the most significant long-term burden caused by the efforts to control the pandemic, including disrupted education, reduced employment opportunities, and living with low-quality public services.