Superspreading: What we expected Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, boarding a plane sounded to many like one of the riskiest endeavors. With their confined spaces and recirculated air, planes appeared to be prime candidates for superspreading events. In preparation, many airlines implemented multifaceted prevention strategies. So how risky are flights now? Surprisingly, a number of airlines have had fairly low transmission rates between passengers. Current research connects

Why use physical barriers? We’ve all seen the controversy surrounding people’s response to the novel coronavirus. Online forums explode daily with discussions of mask mandates and school protocols. When it comes to physical barriers, such as sneeze guards, some people see no need for any prevention method at all, while others see masks as sufficient and physical barriers as an extra, unnecessary measure. To see these viewpoints in action, you need look only so far as the near

COVID-19 Prevention Strategies for the Workplace Although we’ve also branched into partitions designed for schools, our COVID-19 prevention strategies here at KTM began with the desire to increase safety in the workplace. All along the way we’ve been looking for ways to help businesses and schools follow federal and local guidelines—and reopen as safely as possible. Since both OSHA and the CDC recommend installing physical barriers when distances of at least 6 feet between pe

Curbing the spread of COVID-19 is a group effort, and further research on how this virus spreads suggests that applying the right engineering controls will be a group effort too. How does it spread? Medical researchers are currently investigating the role that aerosols have in spreading the new coronavirus. If the virus spreads through aerosols, then there are two important sources of spread: microscopic aerosol droplets and the larger droplets spread via talking, coughing, o

Reopening more safely Reopening schools remains a topic of heated debate and frequent Google searches. But one thing is certain: safety should always come first. Whenever schools do reopen, one safety measure recommended by the CDC is the use of physical barriers, such as plexiglass partitions. Here’s a look at how schools in Charleston County, SC, are preparing for in-person teaching this fall. (Families can also choose online instruction.) This news coverage by WCSC in Char

Should schools reopen? Parents and educators face numerous new obstacles and questions going into this school year. Will classes take place entirely online? Will students who depend on in-person school services be able to go? Will PPE and Engineering Controls be enough to protect their health? In June, the SC Department of Education released their AcceleratED Task Force Guidance and Recommendations for 2020–21 School Year. South Carolina’s Dedication to Education website ackn

At KTM Solutions, we want to contribute to our community. As a part of that goal, we’ve refocused our efforts during COVID-19 to include custom partitions for schools and workplaces. Why do partitions matter? School districts, as well as students and parents, have been receiving mixed messages on whether to reopen schools this fall. But one consideration that seems consistent across the board is that whenever schools do reopen—whether this fall or later—they need to implement

At KTM Solutions, we’re committed to doing our part to help our community stay safe through problem solving and engineered solutions. As we all work together to slow the spread of COVID-19, KTM is currently offering custom partitions for both schools and workplaces. States Reopening As numerous states pause reopening and all grapple with the decision of whether to reopen schools, many schools and businesses are considering physical barriers in addition to masks and other form

What counts as PPE? Measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 are expected to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. The coronavirus outbreak has caused a surge of interest in PPE this year, evident in the search term’s spike on Google at the end of March. The term PPE is widely used to refer to any steps taken to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection, but what officially counts as PPE, and what terminology describes the other safety measures? Personal Protective