Nationwide assessment of energy costs and policies to limit airborne infection risks in U.S. schools

Practices such as improved ventilation and air filtration are being considered by schools to reduce the transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Improved may significantly increase energy cost heating, ventilation, conditioning (HVAC), exacerbating financial challenges face amidst worst in decades. This study evaluated HVAC costs for reducing COVID-19 airborne infection risks 111,485 public private U.S. support decision-makings. The average annual maintain risk below 1% is estimated at $20.1 per square meter or $308.4 capita with filtration, where have higher than on average. could be reduced adopting partial online learning. It was also found additional control increased lower PK-5 middle high schools, indicating possibility remaining in-person instructions necessary governmental assistance. Analyses school under different intervention scenarios provide important operational guidelines, implications, policy insights community stakeholders, policymakers keep safe during ongoing improve preparedness epidemics projected future.