Abstract
Fitness centers are considered high risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission due to their high human occupancy and the type of activity taking place in them, especially when individuals pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic for COVID-19 exercise in the facilities. In this study, air (N=21) and surface (N=8) samples were collected at a fitness center through five sampling events from August to November 2020 after the reopening restrictions were lifted in Florida. The total attendance was ~2500 patrons during our air and environmental sampling work. Air samples were collected using stationary and personal bioaerosol samplers. Moistened flocked nylon swabs were used to collect samples from high-touch surfaces. We did not detect SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR analyses in any air or surface sample. A simplified infection risk model based on the Wells-Riley equation predicts that the probability of infection in this fitness center was 1.77% following its ventilation system upgrades based on CDC guidelines, and that risk was further reduced to 0.89% when patrons used face masks. Our model also predicts that a combination of high ventilation, minimal air recirculation, air filtration, and UV sterilization of recirculated air reduced the infection risk up to 94% compared to poorly ventilated facilities. Amongst these measures, high ventilation with outdoor air is most critical in reducing the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. For buildings that cannot avoid air recirculation due to energy costs, the use of high filtration and/or air disinfection devices are alternatives to reducing the probability of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 through inhalation exposure. In contrast to the perceived ranking of high risk, the infection risk in fitness centers that follow CDC reopening guidance, including implementation of engineering and administrative controls, and use of personal protective equipment, can be low, and these facilities can offer a relatively safe venue for patrons to exercise.
Highlights
The removal and inactivation efficiencies for SARS-CoV-2 using filter and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) were obtained from the manufacturers or estimated by empirical equations; laboratory testing of their true performance in the given setting can improve the accuracy of risk assessment
The fitness center was operated at 10 air changes per hour (ACH) ventilation, 36% recirculated air, minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) 10 filter, and UVGI in both upper room and air handler units (AHUs), which resulted in the probability of infection due to airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission of 1.77%
Considering the filtration of virus-laden aerosols by face masks, the infection risk was further reduced to 0.89%, and the probable number of infected people in a fitness center with ~500 patrons can be decreased by 94%, from 69 to 4
Summary
Aerosol and Air Quality Research | https://aaqr.org (Kaur et al, 2020) Whereas those with clinically apparent COVID-19 are likely to self-quarantine or be hospitalized, users of fitness facilities who are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic are potential sources of virus transmission. It may be difficult for patrons to wear masks during heavy exercise, wash hands after touching equipment surfaces, and maintain physical distancing, and these places are often crowded. All of these preventive actions are recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for reopening fitness facilities (CDC, 2020). Environmental sampling was not performed during the acquisition of that data
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