COVID-19 Response for Country Clubs
Steps to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19
"Transmission of COVID-19 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems can reduce airborne exposures." -ASHRAE
COVID-19 and Indoor Air Quality
For clubs operating during the pandemic, the safety of members and staff must be the highest priority. While a combination of solutions is required to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in these spaces, experts warn that wearing face masks and disinfecting surfaces may not be enough. In the fight against an airborne virus, clubs should educate themselves on the health impacts of indoor air quality.
The Facts
Mounting evidence demonstrates that COVID-19 is also transmitted through indoor and can remain infectious for hours.
Many air systems simply recirculate indoor air, spreading particles throughout the building.
The epidemic task force at ASHRAE, a global expert on indoor air, has determined the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 to be severe enough to warrant the modification of building air systems.
Three Steps to Make Your Facilities Safer
1 ) Ventilation: Increase the ventilation in your building to bring in more fresh air.
2 ) Filtration: Upgrade your filters to the highest MERV rating.
3 ) Purification: Install purification systems - UV lights or ionization devices - to destroy the viruses in recirculated air.
The Role of Clubs in the Community
As mixed-use spaces, country clubs provide a number of essential services to their communities. The complexity of these environments poses a unique challenge for building managers, as clubs may house many of the highest-risk spaces for COVID-19 transmission within a single facility, such as retail spaces, restaurants, gyms, and pools. As schools remain closed for in-person learning in many areas, some clubs have even taken on the role of childcare providers to facilitate remote-learning. In this environment, it is critical that club managers apply a layered approach to combat the virus, tailoring their safety measures to the unique needs of each space.
Recommended Measures to Mitigate Airborne Transmission
Ventilation
Filtration
Purification
Three Reasons to Improve Indoor Air
The CDC, WHO and EPA have stressed the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality as part of a combined strategy to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 indoors. Evidence has indicated that poorly maintained air systems may actually increase the risk of airborne transmission indoors.
Messaging is Crucial: In order to provide a positive environment for members and staff, it is crucial that clubs not only be safe, but also feel safe. By taking every practical measure to combat the virus, clubs can demonstrate their commitment to the comfort and safety of members and staff.
Lasting Health Benefits: The same improvements to indoor air quality that can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 can also be effective in reducing infection rates during cold and flu season, as well as decrease the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms.
Resources for Clubs on COVID-19
Reopening Resources for Private Clubs - Club Management Association of America
COVID-19 Blueprint for Private Clubs - National Club Association
Healthy Buildings COVID-19 Guidance - Harvard University
Protecting Your Members and Staff - National Club Association
Info on COVID-19 and Indoor Air Quality
EPA Guidance on Indoor Air and COVID-19 - Environmental Protection Agency
COVID-19 Response Resources - ASHRAE
A Word From The AIR Co:
At The AIR Company of Georgia, we feel it is our moral and professional responsibility to provide comprehensive education and resources to private clubs in our community. In a pandemic, the safety of a building's indoor air and its occupants are inextricably linked: one cannot be safe without the other. We hope that clubs will consult expert guidance in this time to ensure the safety of both members and staff.
The AIR Co is happy to provide consultations or answer any questions you may have to ensure your systems meet recommended standards. - Chris Marek, Owner of The AIR Company of Georgia.
Contact| Phone: (404) 272-8465 Email: chris@coldairco.com
This site is for educational purposes only and is not comprehensive and is subject to change at anytime. A fully licensed and insured HVAC operator should be consulted before any modifications are completed. Best engineering practices should always be followed. License #CN210920