High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization can be effective in removing SARS-CoV-2 particles from the air, suggest real-world evidence, reported in the preprint server medRxiv.

A study, yet to be peer-reviewed, indicates that the filters may have a role in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2, reported the journal Nature. HEPA filters were installed in two COVID-19 wards, including a general ward and an ICU. Air samples were collected from the wards during a week when the air filters were operational and 2 weeks when they were off, and the results were then compared. Airborne virus was found in the ward on all five days prior to activation of air/UV filtration, while it was not detected on any of the five days when the air/UV filter was working. SARS-CoV-2 was detected again on four of the five days when the filter was non-operational.

Airborne virus was not frequently found in the ICU, even when the filters were not working… (Medscape)