Dorm Transmission Question

[Anonymous]

My DC is so excited because she landed a room in the only air-conditioned dorm on campus for next year. At first I was glad, but now I am wondering if the HVAC system will enhance virus transmission (simiilar to a cruise ship?)

I have not mentioned this to her...but a mother's mind will wander.

And before you tell me that I don't have to worry because classes will be online this Fall, her school has already announced that they are planning to bring kids back to campus (with a testing regimen).

Any thoughts about the AC? It is a relatively new building...which might help, but I wonder if for corona, the old fashion system (i.e. open a window) is safest??

[Anonymous]

is it central air or a window unit?
My dd’s air conditioned dorm has a window unit.

Regardless, the heat will be on by October and that will be a central system. We bought her an air purifier with a uv-c light in February after she caught the flu for the second time this season despite the vaccine, so we’re hoping that helps.

[Anonymous]

The building is very modern (the newest on campus), so the system is centralized I believe.

Found this article discussing this topic:

https://www.businessinsider.com/turning-off-ac-could-limit-chance-of-infection-experts-say-2020-4

Sounds like most things corona: the final verdict is not in.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP that even if the ac is a window unit the heating system won't be. And then that begs the question of when she is in class. I think at some point there are too many variables. We're worried about it too because we have 3 in college next year again. But it is what it is. My main worry is getting enough masks...