EOC to use NDIR to check air quality

CEBU, Philippines —  To ensure protocols are properly implemented, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be using a nondispersive infrared sensor (NDIR) in monitoring all business establishments to check the air quality and prevent transmission of COVID-19.

EOC deputy implementer, Councilor Joel Garganera, said the use of NDIR is an innovative way to fight the pandemic.

“This morning we were graced by the presence of Dr. Bryan Lim in the Cebu City Emergency Operations Center. Along with the doctors, we participated in an Air Quality Lecture that can help us with the implementation of protocols in different establishments to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,” said Garganera.

Garganera said they learned from the lecture how to set standards in the inspection of bars, reopening of schools and different establishments, especially those with closed areas and little ventilation.

The EOC is meeting this week stakeholders from the transportation, hotels and bars, factories, and shipping lines to further improve protocols.

“This week, we will be meeting with the different sectors to cascade information on new protocols including the use of the Non-dispersive Infrared Sensors (NDIRs) for measuring CO2 levels in establishments,” Garganera said.

An NDIR sensor calculates the gas concentration by using the property that gas molecules, like carbon dioxide (CO2), absorb in infrared rays.

CO2 level gives an idea of how adequate the ventilation of a certain space and since COVID is in the air, the more adequately ventilated a room is, the lesser the chances of transmission, said Lim.

Lim, in his Facebook post, shared that Cebu City is moving forward in re-designing various sectors as they aim to be pandemic-resilient.

“I will forever extend my gratitude to the patriots working in the EOC. They are the angels of Cebu City who have kept us safe,” said Lim. — FPL (FREEMAN)