Covid in the vents

[Mandrake-And-Karen0]

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/7/20-0764_article

Let's discuss risk to hosts and guests with this new information on Covid spread through vents in our rentals. In light of this information, how do we keep ourselves and guests safe? What can be done to mitigate risk and stop the spread of Covid through vents? It seems a bit reckless to encourage bookings to first responders, and other guests in our homes, even if it is in an entire private basement apartment, when there is new information learned every day about the virus.

[Melissa1461]

I have the same concerns as we have a private guest suite in our home. However, that article is specifically about air blowing across  one table of people,  and toward another table of people in the same room.

[Mandrake-And-Karen0]

Right, the thing is Covid is changing, mutating and becoming more infectious.  We have had renters who are local people or returning guests, who we know are lower risk during this pandemic.

[Mandrake-And-Karen0]

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ventilation.html

(Uncertainty on if Covid can spread through vents- says it's not definitive either way but explains measures to take with ventilation to reduce risk of transmittal)

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/07/why-arent-we-talking-more-about-airborne-transmis...

(Are we being told all that there is to know by WHO and CDC on Covid risks of infection through ventilation systems?)

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-76442-2 (Covid can spread through vents.)

Either way,  we're keeping informed and doing what we need to stay one step ahead of the pandemic.

[Melissa1461]

I do know that we have a Merv 13 air filter which can filter out the virus particles.

[Mandrake-And-Karen0]

Hi Melissa, yes, that is the filter that we have, too. 

[Mark116]

@Mandrake-And-Karen0 I'm not sure this is applicable to most airbnbs, certainly not those that are self contained.  This is about people in a restaurant at the same time having droplets blown around via air conditioning and getting infected that way, not about X person in a home getting the virus from heating or AC vents in the same property.   

[Mandrake-And-Karen0]

Ours is self contained but I don't understand how Airbnb can continue to have people rent our rooms in their house? These generally have shared spaces.  Seems like very high risk situations.

[Lisa723]

@Mandrake-And-Karen0 @Melissa1461 this is one reason why our basement guest suite has been closed for the duration. This seems like the obvious answer to your question.

[Mandrake-And-Karen0]

We closed our rental since March and re-opened  recently to test the waters- with all the new precautions we are taking.  We stopped "instant booking" and we limit the length of time guests can book.  We don't use the Airbnb platform as much.  We do local advertising and have more control over our rental space and terms.  That works better for us.

[Mandrake-And-Karen0]

@Lisa723...nothing is obvious except that each host has to do what they feel is best in their own personal circumstance.  What works for one doesn't necessarily work for others.