Aerosol Transmission of COVID-19 in Classroom Settings

The University recognizes the concerns related to airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. There is now strong evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through aerosols. These aerosols are produced by talking, singing, coughing, sneezing, breathing heavily but can be through normal respiratory functions as well. Laurier also understands the growing concerns of the many variants that have higher rates of transmission in our communities.

Strict adherence to wearing a tight fitting multi-layer face-coverings is effective at limiting aerosol transmission. These non-medical masks do little to protect the wearer but have been found to work extremely well at protecting others. The face coverings help to keep aerosols from being expelled into the environment. If all students and the faculty member are wearing face coverings, the risk of transmission is reduced. The 7.22 COVID-19 Face Covering Policy requires all students in classrooms to wear face coverings. Faculty are exempt from face covering requirements while lecturing however, it is recommended that they too wear a face covering at all times when possible.

Laurier has also taken steps to increase the ventilation in our buildings to help in reducing aerosol transmission. Our air systems filtration has been upgraded to MERV 13 or better for all classrooms. Flow rates have been increased to get more air exchanges per hour. Finally, outdoor air intakes have been increased to allow more fresh air to circulate in our buildings. These steps have been implemented to get more air movement within the classrooms to limit the build-up of aerosols.

All staff and students should continue to follow other COVID-19 guidance to limit the spread of transmission. Physical distancing, following occupancy limits and good hand hygiene are still very important ways to limit viral transmission.

As more people become vaccinated these guidelines could change. Laurier will continue to monitor and follow public health guidance to ensure our staff and students remain protected.

References:Greenhalgh, T., Jimenez, J. L., Prather, K. A., Tufekci, Z., Fisman, D., & Schooley, R. (2021). Ten scientific reasons in support of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The Lancet, 397(10285), 1603–1605. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00869-2

Heneghan, C. J., Spencer, E. A., Brassey, J., Plüddemann, A., Onakpoya, I. J., Evans, D. H., Jefferson, T. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 and the role of airborne transmission: a systematic review. F1000Research, 10, 232. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.52091.1

Prather, K. A., Wang, C. C., & Schooley, R. T. (2020). Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Science, 368(6498), 1422–1424.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abc6197