Publications by authors named "Chiran T Witanachchi"

This study aimed to provide environmental surveillance data for evaluating the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 in public areas with high foot traffic in a university. Air and surface samples were collected at a university that had the second highest number of COVID-19 cases among public higher education institutions in the U.S.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Fitness centers are considered high risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission due to their high human occupancy and the type of activity taking place in them, especially when individuals pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic for COVID-19 exercise in the facilities. In this study, air (N=21) and surface (N=8) samples were collected at a fitness center through five sampling events from August to November 2020 after the reopening restrictions were lifted in Florida. The total attendance was ~2500 patrons during our air and environmental sampling work.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Since mask use and physical distancing are difficult to maintain when people dine indoors, restaurants are perceived as high risk for acquiring COVID-19. The air and environmental surfaces in two restaurants in a mid-scale city located in north central Florida that followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reopening guidance were sampled three times from July 2020 to February 2021. Sixteen air samples were collected for 2 hours using air samplers, and 20 surface samples by using moistened swabs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Individuals with COVID-19 are advised to self-isolate at their residences unless they require hospitalization. Persons sharing a dwelling with someone who has COVID-19 have a substantial risk of being exposed to the virus. However, environmental monitoring for the detection of virus in such settings is limited.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Chiran T Witanachchi"

  • - Chiran T Witanachchi's recent research primarily focuses on environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in various public settings, including universities, fitness centers, and restaurants, to assess the risk of virus transmission in high-traffic areas.
  • - Key findings indicate that environmental samples collected from public spaces adhering to CDC reopening guidelines showed a lack of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting effective control measures may reduce transmission risk in these environments.
  • - The studies emphasize the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring and transmission risk assessments, particularly in places like fitness centers and restaurants, where close proximity and indoor settings may increase the potential for COVID-19 spread.