Everyday Action Items Schools in Puerto Rico Can Take to Help Prevent and Control the Spread of Infections

In time for the new school year in Puerto Rico, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new guidance for preventing the spread of infections in K-12 schools. The agency shared various everyday actions that schools can take to help keep students healthy by minimizing the spread of infections.

Five actions listed by CDC include:

• Taking steps for cleaner air

• Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting

• Hand washing

• Respiratory etiquette

• Vaccinations

Cleaner air can indeed reduce the likelihood of spreading disease, particularly respiratory viruses. Strategies listed by CDC to achieve this include:

• Ensuring existing HVAC systems are providing outdoor air in accordance with ventilation design codes

• Considering ventilation design and/or enhancements when remodeling or constructing new buildings to optimize clean air

• Opening windows, when doing so does not create a safety hazard, to increase ventilation

• Using portable air cleaners in spaces with low ventilation

“The COVID pandemic brought attention to the importance of indoor air quality and infection control programs in schools, colleges and universities,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “It is clear that student performance and attendance can be impacted by conditions in school buildings. In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, the building science and infection control professionals at Zimmetry Environmental are a resource for schools and universities looking to enhance their infection control efforts while optimizing indoor conditions. Our staff of infection control, industrial hygiene and indoor environmental quality experts offer building assessments and inspections; HVAC system evaluations; 3rd party confirmation of cleaning and disinfection protocols; and air, surface and water testing for environmental pathogens. Zimmetry’s training services are also available to ensure officials have the knowledge and tools to keep their schools and universities operating safely.”

Zimmetry has sponsored an educational video sharing the CDC’s everyday action items for schools to prevent and control the spread of infections that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/chhbvzt4WjM

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their infection control, building science, indoor air quality, environmental, and compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .

About Zimmetry Environmental

Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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