Indoor air quality sensors are showing incredible growth amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Many of us have become more conscious of the air quality we breathe since the COVID-19 outbreak emerged globally in 2020. Along with the threat of airborne virus transmission, we have to deal with rising levels of outdoor air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, buildings, and structures, among other things.

What Is In The Air We Breathe?

In addition to oxygen, air contains plenty other elements. Other gases such as nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and methane, in addition to other hazardous substances, are present in significant amounts in the air you breathe. Aside from the visible contaminant that we can see in the air, such as dust, dirt, and debris, the air we breathe invisible pollutants that pose health risks to us. These invisible particles include viruses, bacteria, moulds, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

How can we possibly know if the air we breathe is polluted if we can’t see it with our own eyes? This is where an indoor air quality sensor comes in.

Indoor Air Quality Sensors

An indoor air quality sensor will help you better understand many pollutants in and around your home or office. You can also identify which time of the day is better than the other when other people, animals, or other sources of pollution are invading your space. Armed with this information, you can make better decisions about your health.

How Does an Indoor Air Quality Sensor Work?

Most indoor air quality sensors use indicators to send alerts to your smartphone or tablet to tell you the level of risk. Some indoor air quality sensors also measure outdoor air quality to help contextualise indoor measurements. Measurements are typically displayed on the screen of the IAQ device and via a companion app on your smartphone. Following the notifications, you can take steps to reduce indoor pollution. Some of the steps include investing in a good air purifier or upgrading your ventilation systems. An excellent indoor air quality sensor should give you enough information to investigate and eliminate the source of your poor air quality.”

Benefits of Having Indoor Air Quality Sensors in Your Space

Indoor Air Quality Sensors provide several benefits to individuals in a variety of ways especially during the era of COVID-19. These advantages include:

Real Time Monitoring

Indoor Air Quality Sensors detect the presence of particulates and air pollutants in the air and send an alert to your smartphone. This enables authorities to assess the situation and respond appropriately. If the air quality changes, you will be notified immediately, as well as the reasons for the changes. This ensures that nothing is overlooked and that the environment is safe for people to live in. You will then know what time, in which weathers or who are inside the house when the indoor air deteriorates the most.

Easily Accessible

Last but not least, as these sensors will send the data and alerts to your mobile phones, you can easily get real time information. You do not have to be at home to know the conditions of the indoor air quality in your house.

Increase Productivity

Indoor Air Quality can pose serious impacts on the productivity of individuals. Poor indoor air quality causes discomfort, fatigue, and a variety of other health issues, all of which lower productivity. As the information on indoor air quality appears in real time, you can easily address issues as they arise. This will allow you to increase your productivity.

In conclusion, using technology to monitor air quality in the aftermath of the outbreak will be critical. The most crucial factor in preventing the spread of viruses like COVID-19. Without a doubt, the world has changed irreversibly. It is now necessary to control indoor air quality to ensure your health and well-being. Most employ cutting-edge technology to assist you in making better decisions and enhancing your overall well-being. Indoor air quality sensors not only tell you what is wrong but also show you how to fix it. It detects contaminants and provides real-time data on air quality parameters. Indoor air quality sensor gives users complete control over the quality and health of their indoor air. Subsequently, this allows individuals to breathe freely and live life to the fullest.

The next step is choosing the best indoor air quality sensor for you business or home. Stay tuned to our next post to find out!

Ventilation and indoor air quality have always been important. However, more people are becoming more aware of the importance due to the Covid-19 outbreak. People now recognise the importance of indoor air quality for their health, given the mounting evidence that the new coronavirus spreads more easily in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces. Employers will now benefit from having their staff back in the office, working collaboratively, and promoting more productivity and creativity. With more employees anticipated to report in and out of the office, more businesses are running at maximum capacity. Employers must assure that there are no health risks from viruses before they encourage the employees to return to the office. Employers must provide a safe working environment to lessen the likelihood of employee illness.

Tax Deduction On Ventilation 

According to Minister of Health Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin, companies that upgrade their office ventilation systems can receive tax benefits. This incentive will be available until the end of 2022. The government is granting tax deductions of up to RM300,000 for the cost of rebuilding commercial premises until December 31, 2022.

Why is Proper Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Important?

The practise of introducing fresh air into enclosed spaces while eliminating stale air is known as ventilation. Allowing fresh air into closed spaces can help to remove virus-infected air and prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is an airborne virus that can build up in poorly ventilated areas, increasing the chance of it spreading, particularly if there are sick people present.

The virus may linger in the air after an infected person has left. COVID-19 is less likely to spread when fresh air is present in a room rather than stale air carrying virus particles. The faster you remove any airborne virus from space, the more fresh air circulates within the area.

Ways to Improve Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Open Windows and Doors for Natural Ventilation

You can air out the space in rooms that rely on natural ventilation regularly by opening windows and doors as wide as possible. Ventilation can still be provided by partially opening windows and doors.

Upgrade HVAC systems to Improve Ventilation and Air Quality

It may not be possible to open windows and doors in buildings, the most likely scenario is to have a substantial mechanical ventilation system in place. Many mechanical HVAC systems are no longer fully compatible with modern standards; ensure yours is up to date, compliant, and well-maintained.

Inspect and Maintain

Examine and maintain exhaust ventilation systems in areas such as cafeterias and kitchen facilities. When these areas are occupied, use these systems. Even if the specific space is vacant, the use of these systems will improve overall ventilation within the occupied building.

Invest In Air Quality Monitoring Device

IoT smart-sensing monitoring system like ENVIRO INTELiAQ, collects and combines sensor data to monitor air pollution in interior spaces. The indoor air quality monitoring system will evaluate the air quality in your homes or offices and alert you if it deteriorates, as well as the cause.

Invest In A Good Air Purifier

If your business struggles with indoor air pollution, an air purifier can help remove hazardous particles and improve air quality. An air purifier works by absorbing tiny particles, dust, and debris from the air. The air purifier will then filter these particles and release clean and purified air. Air purifiers featuring a Disinfection Filtration System (DFS), such as the HealthWay Air Purifier, remove viruses as well as dust, dirt, and other particles from the air.

People have been spending more time indoors since the COVID-19 virus epidemic, in homes or buildings where pollution levels can be two to five times higher than they are outdoors. COVID-19 isn’t the only factor to consider when it comes to indoor air quality. It is essential to reduce anyone’s chance of a slowly developing chronic illnesses, by improving indoor air quality. Subsequently, this practise will aid in the fight against future pandemics.

You were probably only concerned on aiding yourself back to health when the doctors first classified you as a COVID-19 positive patient by isolating yourself, resting, and keeping an eye out for the symptoms. As the days pass and your period of isolation draws to a close, you may be wondering what your life will be once your symptoms have subsided. COVID-19, unlike the common cold or flu, raises additional concerns and questions for patients and those close to them. Some of your concerns may include wondering if you are still contagious and experiencing post-COVID symptoms upon recovery.

How long will you be contagious?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Most people are no longer contagious a few days after symptoms appear because the virus is no longer active. Nonetheless, the duration of infectivity varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the infection, the intensity of exposure, and the individual’s immune system. If you continue to experience symptoms such as a fever, consult your doctor and isolate yourself from others.

Quarantine Period 

The duration for self-isolation and quarantine period for COVID-19 (inclusive of all variants) provided by the Ministry of Health Malaysia are as follows:
Positive cases of COVID-19

• Seven days for those who have completed their vaccination and are asymptomatic
• Ten days for those who have not received the vaccine, have only been partially vaccinated, and are symptomatic.

 If you were only a close contact of positive COVID-19 patients, you would also have to adhere to the isolation and quarantine guidelines provided:

Tips for individuals recovering from COVID-19 

Even if your body develops immunity to COVID-19 after recovery, you can still become reinfected with the virus regardless of your vaccination status. With the Omicron variant spreading and becoming more transmissible, you must continue to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Wear a Well-fitted and Suitable Mask in Public

You should continue to wear a mask in public or places where physical separation is impossible. In the age of Omicron, you must upgrade your mask selection. The KF94 face mask is the best as it adequately covers your nose and mouth while also providing extra protection with extra layers. Avoid cloth masks or masks with valves.

Get the COVID-19 Booster Vaccine After Recovery and Vaccinate Your Children

When the time comes, you must accept the booster vaccine. The Malaysian Ministry of Health has also launched #PICKids, through which you can obtain COVID-19 vaccines for your children. Vaccinations are not only safe, but they can also save your life.

Practice Good Hygiene to Foster COVID-19 Recovery

Regularly wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. High touch point surfaces, such as door knobs, switches, children’s toys, and shared electronics, should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Furthermore, individuals should shower at least twice a day to preserve their hygiene.

Get tested and stay at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested as soon as they appear. In addition, while waiting for test results, you should isolate yourself from others, including those in your household. You can opt for self-testing using a rapid antigen test kit or getting the tests at government or private healthcare facilities.

The Road to Recovery from COVID-19….

The pandemic was a significant period, even for those who did not contract the virus. The outbreak has altered people’s lives globally, and it will take a long time for things to return to normal. The road to recovery from COVID-19 infection is a long journey for some who still experience the effects post inEven for those who did not catch the virus, the pandemic was a significant time. Globally, the pandemic has changed people’s life, and things will take a long time to return to normal. For those who are still suffering from the consequences of COVID-19 infection, the path to recovery can be lengthy and winding. We’re all in this together as a community, and it’s our job to keep everyone safe. We must take these precautions seriously whether we have been infected with COVID 19 or not.

For additional information on how we can assist you prevent COVID-19 transmission and live a healthier and safer life, please contact support@envirogroup.asia or visit www.envirogroup.asia, and our technical specialists will be happy to help. The ENVIRO Group’s toll-free number is 1-800-88-7900.

The Chinese New Year will be on February 1st this year, kicking off the year of the Tiger. As the lunar celebration approaches, individuals prepare to immerse themselves in the festivities. People who live away from home typically return to see their families and celebrate the week-long festival. Families will host gatherings to welcome their extended families and guests to share the joy of a new year. Religious celebrations have followed new guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among those in attendance since COVID-19 emerged.

CURRENT COVID-19 SITUATION IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia has identified a total of 439 Omicron cases to date. There were 385 imported cases and 54 locally transmitted cases. Even though the local transmission cases are minor, individuals must take precautions and comply with the government’s regulations to prevent the celebration from becoming a super-spreader event as the Omicron variant is highly infectious.

CHINESE NEW YEAR STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)

Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, Minister of National Unity, announced the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the forthcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. While open houses are not permitted, Chinese New Year house-to-house visits are allowed only by invitation. Basic SOP must be followed, such as ensuring guests register their attendance via MySejahtera, temperature checks, and ensuring attendees are fully vaccinated.

Here are some of the recommendations you can take to make your celebration merry and safe while preventing the spread of COVID-19 among family members and friends:
1. Get the booster vaccine
Individuals should take the booster vaccine when it is their time to increase their protection against the Omicron variant that is on the rise. While they do not completely prevent transmission, the COVID-19 vaccine offers a high level of protection against the risks of hospitalisation and severe illnesses from the virus.

2. Limit the number of guests in your house

Keep the number of guests to a minimum so that people from different households can practice safe social distancing. Set up chairs or tables ahead of time to know where visitors can sit and be safe.

3. Wash hands regularly and make hand sanitisers readily available

Ensure everyone regularly washes their hands with soap and set up sanitisers for the guests visiting your house. The best option is touch-free hand sanitiser dispensers, giving you even more flexibility in locating them and minimising cross-contamination. ENVIRO Group has a selection of hand sanitisers that kill 99.99% of germs, bacteria, and viruses if you contact contaminated surfaces.

4. Ensure proper ventilation and air care at your house

COVID-19 is more infectious in crowded, poorly ventilated areas where people spend a lot of time together. Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential in protecting people from COVID-19 transmission in indoor environments. Providing a proper air filtration system with maintained filters and monitoring the quality of air with an air monitoring system will ensure the safety of everyone celebrating.

5. Clean and disinfect before and after the celebration

If you are hosting a gathering this holiday season, make every effort to disinfect your common areas and touch-points before and after the event. These include door handles in the bathroom, switches, and remotes. To quickly disinfect before and after a visitor to your home, use a cordless disinfectant sprayer that is ergonomic and simple to use, such as ENVIRO’s Cordless Disinfectant Sprayer.

6. Ensure everyone tests for rapid antigen test before and after the celebration

The Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin, has encouraged individuals to do rapid antigen tests before attending house gatherings to limit the risks of COVID-19 spread. Testing can provide information on the dangers of transmitting COVID-19. Encourage guests who are not members of your household to conduct a self-test before inviting them to house gatherings.

7. Cover your nose and mouth when you are sneezing, coughing, and not eating

It is crucial to cover your mouths and noses when bonding with your family members and guests before and after eating, sneezing, and coughing. Wear suitable and the recommended masks like medical grade 3 ply or KF94 mask, which will provide sufficient protection.

Celebrate carefully and safely…

Malaysians had to stay at home last year and scale back on the celebrations, but you will be able to celebrate with your families and friends this year. However, it is critical to remember always to follow the SOP provided by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases following the celebrations. You can still celebrate this holiday with your loved ones carefully and safely by following the guidance provided.