COVID-19 FAQ

Air quality and ventilation
Commuting and transportation

MIT COVID-19 Information

• Visit the MIT Now site for the latest MIT COVID-19 updates
• Get campus access information on the Covid Apps site
• Learn about COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and updates from MIT Medical
• Learn about COVID-related work policies on the Human Resources site
• Review guidance for the MIT Research Community; including common space usage on campus for DLCs and PIs

Air quality and ventilation

Has MIT reviewed the ventilation systems across campus?
Yes. Over the past couple years, dedicated teams from Facilities Engineering, Campus Services, and MIT Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) have collaborated to assess ventilation systems in academic, research, office, and residential buildings across campus (approximately 450 systems in total). In addition, an outside team of professional engineers specializing in HVAC systems and air systems was engaged throughout the process.

Our goal is to maintain code-compliant indoor air quality and to improve ventilation where practical in accordance with current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The ventilation systems in the buildings are designed to circulate and exchange air consistent with building code requirements and consensus industry standards. No specific testing standard related to COVID air safety has been established or is required by public health agencies.

What specific steps have been taken by MIT's ventilation review teams?
The teams have taken the following steps:

• Increase minimum air flow values and outside air ventilation (unit type permitting)
• Reset building automation programming to run the central air systems in occupied mode 24/7 to maintain steady ventilation (unit type permitting)
• Inspect building ventilation systems to maintain readiness for building occupancy
• Schedule any repairs or adjustments identified during the review of central air systems
• Ensure that exhaust fans in restrooms are functional and operating
• Upgrade systems to high-efficiency MERV 13 filtration if the system can accommodate the upgrade and would benefit from it (ASHRAE recommends this level of high-efficiency filtration; many of MIT's systems are already equipped with MERV 13 filtration, and most of the other systems that could accommodate this filtration level were upgraded)
• Inspect elevator cabs and confirm systems are operating as designed (elevator cabs are well ventilated); reprogram elevator doors to remain open when standing (unit type permitting)

What do I need to know about the ventilation in my building?
Public health experts point out (and our experience shows) that the primary protections against infection comes from high vaccination rates within the community, regular testing/contact tracing/isolation protocols, and compliance with local face coverings requirements to help prevent person-to-person airborne spread — and all of these primary protections are in place at MIT. Visit the Policies page of the MIT Now website for more information about the safety measures our community follows.

In addition, the buildings on campus that have been reoccupied are part of the collaborative effort to inspect and (if needed) repair or adjust the ventilation systems. If you have a concern about a specific space, contact the Customer Service Center through the link provided below. You are also welcome to continue wearing a face covering and maintain physical distance from others if that makes you more comfortable.

If I don't feel the air moving around me, or if I hear the air system going off and on, does that mean the ventilation isn't working?
Keep in mind that a space can be ventilated even if you don't feel air movement or a blast of air, and an air handler is working even if the system may sound like it's turning on and off. Each system maintains temperature and air flow by adjusting to outside temperature, changes in room occupancy, and changes in the equipment use within a room. You may hear a system ramp down or ramp back up as it changes fan speeds and adjusts other mechanical components.

If I'm uncomfortable in my work space, does that mean the ventilation isn't working well?
Your discomfort may be due to the temperature or humidity in your work space, and these can be addressed separately from the ventilation. Remember to bring an extra layer if your work space feels cool. You are welcome to wear a face covering, maintain physical distance from others, and/or open doors or windows (if practical) if that increases your comfort level. If you have made adjustments but still feel concerned about whether the ventilation is operating, please contact the Customer Service Center using the link provided below.

Has ventilation been checked in campus bathrooms and elevators?
Yes. All of the bathrooms across campus have been evaluated for proper airflow, and bathroom exhaust and ventilation equipment has been serviced. Elevators by design provide ventilation, and the equipment in each elevator on campus has been checked and verified. In small spaces such as bathrooms and elevators, you can further mitigate risk by wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distance from others.

What if I still have a question about ventilation?
We hope we have answered your questions about air quality and ventilation. If you still have a concern, please contact the Customer Service Center.

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Commuting and transportation

I would prefer not to take public transportation to work, but I don't have an MIT parking account. Can I park on campus?
A parking account is required to park on campus, and you can sign up for one through the MIT parking portal.

Are the MIT shuttles running on campus as usual?
Yes, the shuttles are running on their normal routes and schedules.

More information is available on the Facilities shuttles pages.

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