How safe are air conditioners in public places? We have the answer

With the lockdown gradually getting lifted, people are skeptical and have questions bombarding their minds about safety in public places. Though we all want to go back to our old ways as soon as possible, we are also scared about getting infected by others in public spaces. Even simple things like going for grocery shopping is not completely safe if you don't take the necessary precautions. This is because centrally air-conditioned areas recycle air for a limited period of time. During this time, the virus can remain suspended in the air. This is the reason why stores and shops have been asked to reopen but without turning on the air-conditioner.

Coronavirus is not airborne. When a person sneezes, a thick spray gets created and this is the time when the virus is suspended in air. But the virus does not continue to float in the air. In centrally air-conditioned places like malls, shops where there are many people, the virus can get recycled in the air for a short period of time. The risk of catching coronavirus is much less in open spaces than indoors. Since it is not possible to eliminate all human contact, the only option is to minimise the risk.

When you cross people on the road who are 2-4 feet away from you, it's less risky as ventilation plays a huge role - the way air around you and the other person moves indoors and outdoors is different.

AC circulates the air more rapidly, which eliminates humidity. Vapour can contain more heat, thus, with less humidity in the air, the room cools down quickly. The process of evaporation causes droplets in the air to dry and disappear faster.

In an air-conditioned room, the airflow from the vent pushes the droplets (caused by coughing/sneezing) through the air potentially into other people. AC can make the virus particles spread father.

Though the AC can you make you feel so much better on a hot day, but it only recycles the fresh air.

The air outside has an effect on the virus. The outside air breaks the protective layer of moisture around the virus with rain, humidity, wind and sunlight. This makes it less risky to be outside than inside. That is why it is advised not to travel in an AC bus, metro or train.

This also makes going to an outdoor market a safer option than going to an indoor shop with air condition.

The more you maintain distance in the public areas, the better it is for you. Avoid sitting in AC when you are in a public place. Also, take care of basic hygiene like wearing a face mask, not touching any unnecessary objects/surfaces and washing hands frequently.