The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a new public Covid campaign called Stop Covid hanging around. The campaign consists of:

• An explainer film demonstrates impact of ventilation on reducing COVID-19 levels
• Advice to open windows for 10 minutes each hour when socialising indoors – this could apply e.g. to staff rooms.

As well as opening windows for a few minutes every hour to dilute virus particles, other simple actions the public can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 include wearing a face covering over the mouth and nose in busy indoor spaces, such as public transport or shops. In addition, the government advises everyone to continue taking free rapid lateral flow tests regularly, particularly before mixing in crowded indoor spaces or visiting vulnerable people. Testing is the quickest and easiest way to find out if someone has the virus, even if they show no symptoms.

This campaign follows new research that reveals how only a third of the public understand importance of ventilation. Government is keen to keep Covid rates in check as winter approaches.