Some general rules for universities returning in the fall, and notes on those that are university/building/classroom specific. (more)
2. Reduce attendance in classrooms for proper physical distancing.
In a large fraction of classrooms 50% = too high. A more reasonable number = 30% (or lower)
There are different ways of doing this, but the easiest is hybrid lectures and the investment needed to do so.
In a large fraction of classrooms 50% = too high. A more reasonable number = 30% (or lower)
There are different ways of doing this, but the easiest is hybrid lectures and the investment needed to do so.
3. Shorten lecture & lab times to reduce exposure.
For those on the quarter system it is not uncommon to have nearly 2 hr meeting times on T Th. I suggest reducing all meetings to 65 minutes or less, filling in the difference w/ remote meetings. (more)
For those on the quarter system it is not uncommon to have nearly 2 hr meeting times on T Th. I suggest reducing all meetings to 65 minutes or less, filling in the difference w/ remote meetings. (more)
Added benefits: Gap between classes exiting and entering a classroom, allowing for less physical interaction in hallways, & time for ventilation/filtration to reduce particles in air - including that from known spikes in re-suspended particles when students leave classroom.
4. Increase outdoor air supply and employ or improve engineering controls.
The extent and combination of these measures depend on campus location/climate, system, capacity, etc. Each campus and facilities team needs to start spending time on this yesterday.
The extent and combination of these measures depend on campus location/climate, system, capacity, etc. Each campus and facilities team needs to start spending time on this yesterday.
5. Consider HEPA-based portable air cleaners
Particularly with CADR > 250 scfm in classroom spaces < 1,000 ft2. Suggestion = keep off floor and place on a small table that is cleaned occasionally. There should be ample space given physical distancing (see 2).
Particularly with CADR > 250 scfm in classroom spaces < 1,000 ft2. Suggestion = keep off floor and place on a small table that is cleaned occasionally. There should be ample space given physical distancing (see 2).
6. Ample cleaning of classroom surfaces (& other spaces as well).
Most universities will not be able to have cleaning staff in classrooms between every class period. This means ample supplies provided for students & faculty to clean their own space before & after.
Most universities will not be able to have cleaning staff in classrooms between every class period. This means ample supplies provided for students & faculty to clean their own space before & after.
7. Be aware of special circumstances that add risk on your campus and build these into planning NOW.
Fraction of students, staff, and faculty who take mass transit to campus? Dorms? Pay lots of attention to minimizing risks here, including reduced capacity, etc. (more)
Fraction of students, staff, and faculty who take mass transit to campus? Dorms? Pay lots of attention to minimizing risks here, including reduced capacity, etc. (more)
Sporting events, concerts, and other large gatherings? Think twice (ten times) about these. Outdoors best with appropriate physical distancing and masks. Not possible, think 20 times. And do not put student athletes at risk!
More to come ....
