Can Air Conditioning Spread COVID-19? Probably Not

• A new study reported that an air conditioning system at a restaurant in China may have contributed to the spread of the new coronavirus among diners.
• Experts, however, say it’s unlikely proper air conditioning units used in stores, restaurants, and other businesses can transmit the virus.
• The air conditioning industry has set up a pandemic task force to look into the issue.

Across the country, more states are relaxing stay-at-home regulations and moving to allow the reopening of businesses after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.

In some states, that includes allowing restaurants to reopen with full service.

However, a new study raises questions about whether that’s safe.

The study suggests an outbreak of COVID-19 at a restaurant in China may have been spread by the air conditioning there.

Florida began reopening its restaurants on Monday. Governor Ron DeSantis said restaurants could offer outdoor seating if tables were 6 feet apart. Indoor seating is allowed at 25 percent capacity.

“Outdoor transmission as far as we’ve seen has been more difficult than the indoor climate-controlled” said DeSantis. “So I think being outside, if you’re 6 feet away, to me that would not be more risky than going to Costco.”