Bioaerosol Spread of COVID-19 and TB in Air Conditioned Spaces: How the Court Spearheaded the Movement in India

Abstract

The measures taken in buildings to make them resilient against the spread of airborne diseases have seen a rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are of importance as bioaerosols spread through recirculation based air conditioning systems. This can be tackled by sanitisation or by dilution ventilation caused by increased fresh air supply. In response to a written petition by a lawyer on the issue of air conditioning in the court premises and the spread of COVID-19, the Delhi High Court held the Fundamental Rights of the citizens by extending it to a right to a healthy environment and acknowledging the concerns in the petition. A committee was also set up by the court to relook at the ventilation and air conditioning within the court. The Right to Information Act, 2005 was used to obtain the minutes of the committee meetings. This short communication discusses the decisions which provide insights into the lack of reliable information available in the initial phases of the meetings. This has been hinted to show the possible lack of regulation for infection control through airborne route in public buildings. Design decisions are also looked at. This paper aims at providing a commentary with the aim of linking research and practice in the area of bioaerosol spread of diseases like COVID-19 and tuberculosis in public spaces.