EXP Casino + Resort White Paper

RISK REDUCTION | 25

(37) However, some strategies to reduce aerosol airborne dissemination of viruses at the air handling system may not be possible without impacting existing HVAC system capacities. Modifications to existing HVAC systems may not be possible if there is a goal to keep space design temperatures and relative humidity the same as the pre- pandemic goals. Possible modifications to HVAC systems that will help reduce PATH 3 transmission risk include the following: INCREASED VENTILATION ASHRAE recommends the continued operation of all HVAC systems. (38) Outside air for ventilation should be increased to as much as the HVAC system can accommodate and still maintain acceptable indoor conditions during occupied hours. Special flushing control sequence should be implemented to operate the HVAC system with a maximum outside airflow of two hours before and after occupied times. In the casino and gaming industry, many facilities have been designed for indoor smoking. ASHRAE stopped making recommendations for fresh air flushing rates for smoking spaces in buildings at the turn of the century when it became clear smoking was detrimental to the smoker’s health and the health of individuals around them. At EXP, we believe responsible engineers who design indoor smoking spaces will have the HVAC systems continually flush areas with significant amounts of fresh. Typically, we see these flushing rates significantly higher than the last recommended rate ASHRAE published. In addition, advanced design approaches aimed to reduce cigarette particulates in these smoking environments

RESTROOMS - Flush valves, lavatory faucet handles, towel dispensers, and ironically even soap dispensers are possible contamination points we all encounter daily. Automatic flush valves should be a given in public spaces in the current environment. Automatic lavatory faucets can provide the safety measure of avoiding surface contact and be set up to deliver the 20 seconds of handwashing time recommended to Inactivate the virus. Several manufacturers offer automatic soap dispensers combined with faucets or even automatic faucets with built-in hand dryers.

Figure 25. Hands free faucets will become more relevant (40)

PATH THREE (AEROSOLIZED AIRBORN) TRANSMISSION The CDC notes SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted by person-to-person contact and by contact with virus-laden droplets expelled through coughing and sneezing (i.e., PATH 1 and PATH 2 noted above). However, it is known airborne transmission caused infections of SARS-CoV-1 in the 2003 outbreak. It is likely COVID-19 is also transmitted via this transmission path. The good news is ventilation systems can influence the transmission of droplet nuclei in infectious aerosols. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air- Conditioning Engineers or ASHRAE’s Epidemic Task Force has issued guidance on managing the spread of SARS- CoV-2 regarding the operation and maintenance of HVAC systems in buildings. ASHRAE officially opposes any advice not to run commercial HVAC systems. (37) ASHRAE asserts that keeping air conditioners on during this time can help control the spread of the virus. It is recommended systems are re-programmed to operate 24/7 if they are not already doing so. ASHRAE also recommends the employment of HVAC filters and other strategies that help to reduce virus transmission while removing other air contaminants.

Figure 26. Underfloor air conditioning systems typically found in smoking casinos are well suited to lower risk associated with aerosolized virus