Infection Spread and High-Resolution Detection of Close Contact Behaviors

Nan Zhang, Boni Su, Pak-To Chan, Te Miao, Peihua Wang and Yuguo Li
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Nan Zhang: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
Boni Su: China Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute, Beijing 100120, China
Pak-To Chan: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
Te Miao: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
Peihua Wang: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
Yuguo Li: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: Knowledge of human behaviors is important for improving indoor-environment design, building-energy efficiency, and productivity, and for studies of infection spread. However, such data are lacking. In this study, we designed a device for detecting and recording, second by second, the 3D indoor positioning and head and body motions of each graduate student in an office. From more than 400 person hours of data. Students spent 92.2%, 4.1%, 2.9%, and 0.8% of their time in their own office cubicles, other office cubicles, aisles, and areas near public facilities, respectively. They spent 9.7% of time in close contact, and each student averagely had 4.0 close contacts/h. Students spent long time on close contact in the office which may lead to high infection risk. The average interpersonal distance during close contact was 0.81 m. When sitting, students preferred small relative face orientation angle. Pairs of standing students preferred a face-to-face orientation during close contact which means this pattern had a lower infection risk via close contact. Probability of close contact decreased exponentially with the increasing distance between two students’ cubicles. Data on human behaviour during close contact is helpful for infection risk analysis and infection control and prevention.

Keywords: infection spread and control; infection risk; human behavior; close contact; sensor-based; indoor environment; indoor positioning; head and body motion; open-plan office (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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