COVID-19 – Useful information: ventilation and use of face masks, distribution of ethanol bottles and cleaning wipes, vehicle access

Covid-19 : New campus measures regarding ventilation and use of face masks

While it appears that the COVID-19 outbreak is on the way to being under control, it is our responsibility to take all possible measures to provide maximum protection for staff and avoid any transmission of the virus on campus.

As research on the outbreak progresses, new studies* have revealed a risk of the virus spreading through airborne transmission, via tiny droplets produced when speaking or viral particles suspended in bioaerosols, the effect of which is increased in confined spaces.

In light of this information, the PBRP Committee has evaluated the impact of the air treatment measures in buildings on campus and the importance of widespread use of masks.

The following measures have been adopted and will be applicable from today:

- Changes to the ventilation/air conditioning systems on campus premises:

o Individual air conditioning units will be stopped until further notice;
o The ventilation system supplying filtered cold air from air processing units in buildings on campus will be maintained 24/7;

- It will be compulsory to wear masks when walking between buildings and on all campus premises: shared offices, shared laboratories and meeting rooms. We would remind you that masks are distributed individually every day from 9 to 10.30am and 2 to 3pm in the modules under the company restaurant.

We would advise you to air offices regularly, at least twice a day, by opening windows where possible.

If you have any questions on these matters, please email hsqe@pasteur.fr.

We would ask you to adhere strictly to these measures, which are intended to protect all staff while facilitating the progressive resumption of the Institut Pasteur's work.

The PBRP Committee

*Source: K. A. Prather et al., Science 10.1126/science.abc6197 (2020)

Distribution of ethanol bottles and cleaning wipes for offices

From 12:30pm to 2pm on Monday June 15 and Tuesday June 16, the Occupational Health Service will organize a distribution of ethanol bottles and paper wipes to help you disinfect your work environment regularly.

The distribution is intended only to employees who were not provided with ethanol on May 25 and 26.

Distribution will take place in front of the canteen and an information leaflet will be given to you.

As a reminder, office cleaning is essential due to the manual transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Remind: Vehicle access (cars, 2-wheel motorized or not)

Access by car or 2-wheel motorized or not will be possible from 7am to 9pm at entrance gates 25 and 28 rue du Docteur Roux.

Some recommendations to optimize parking on campus:

• Registration of vehicles is not required until July 3, nor any authorization by email. You will be asked to present your badge to open entrance gates.

• Parking in car park areas is preferred option

• In case of heavy traffic, surface parking areas are exceptionally authorized and subject to the following conditions:

   - Parking must not block traffic lanes
   - No parking on footpaths or pedestrian areas
   - No parking in front of building entrance and emergency exit
   - No parking on fire tracks and in front of emergency equipment (fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, etc.)
   - Mandatory display of an emergency contact number on vehicle dashboard (a model is provided at entrance gates and available on Webcampus)