Study of a classroom in Universidad Ricardo Palma to avoid Sars-Cov-2 spread

Abstract

After more than 2 year’s presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) among our citizens, sanitary measures have started mitigating its consequences. The Peruvian authorities have considered that as of the month of March 2022 teaching must return to classrooms, both at schools and universities. To do so, we must respect the biosafety protocols established, such as: capacity of students per classroom, adequate distance, use of masks and, above all, good ventilation in classrooms. A poorly ventilated room presents high concentrations of CO₂ and reduced levels of oxygen available to breathe, while simultaneously increasing the risk of transmission for respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. We propose analyzing a model classroom in one of the buildings of the College of Engineering from Ricardo Palma University for its compliance of biosecurity and maximum capacity rules needed to go back to in-person classes. We have chosen classroom B-303 because of its location relative to all other classrooms and because it complies with Peru’s RNE regulations as long as doors and windows are kept open to allow for proper ventilation. We propose to set up this room with the necessary equipment to maintain proper oxygen levels as well as monitor air quality with doors closed. The proposed equipment is made up of air extractors, temperature sensors, and relative humidity and carbon dioxide sensors with a traffic lights monitoring system that indicates the level of carbon dioxide to maintain adequate ventilation of the environment. The limit parameters defined for carbon dioxide (CO₂) to determine the quality of the air in a classroom will be: 500-799 ppm Acceptable Value (green color); 800-999 ppm Dangerous Value (amber color) and 1000 ppm Highly Dangerous Value (red color). This proposal can be replicated in any other classroom.