For people with fragile health, even a mild viral exposure can lead to relapse, flare-ups, or hospitalisation.
Why Clean Air Matters
For many people in the SICK AF community – including those with Long COVID, ME, suppressed immune systems, cancer treatments, respiratory, neurological conditions, allergies or MCAS – air quality determines whether an event is safe or inaccessible.
Viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV spread through tiny airborne particles that linger in the air, especially indoors. Chemicals, allergens, mould and scents can do the same.
Poor ventilation, high CO₂, or recirculated air can quickly turn a gathering into a high-risk environment. For people with fragile health, even a mild exposure can lead to relapse, flare-ups, or hospitalisation.
Clean air measures aren’t just a health precaution. They are access tools, just like captions, ramps, or quiet spaces that allow people to participate on equal terms.
When events take air quality seriously, they welcome those who are otherwise excluded.
Clean air measures include
Staying home when unwell and isolating – preventing new sources of infection
Masks – reduce the number of particles breathed out and in
Ventilation – bringing in fresh outdoor air
Hygiene – washing hands or using sanitizer, cough etiquette and physical distance
Spacing & crowd management – reducing density where possible, limiting time in crowded spaces
Communication – include clean air limitations in your venue’s visual story
Informing – tell guests to stay home when unwell ad offer access alternatives
Reducing allergens and toxins – limit usage during public hours
Each one has its “holes,” but together they form protection that makes events safer and more accessible.
When events take air quality seriously, they welcome those who are otherwise excluded.
We are all responsible
The Swiss Cheese Model of Clean Air Access
What is it?
The Swiss cheese model is a simple way to explain how we reduce the spread of airborne viruses — like COVID-19, flu, and RSV — in shared spaces.
Imagine stacking slices of Swiss cheese. Each slice has holes, but if you layer them together, the holes don’t line up. Instead, the layers cover each other’s gaps.
It’s the same with virus protection: no single measure is perfect, but when we use several together, they create a much stronger barrier.
Everyone’s Responsibility
Creating clean air access is not just on organisers. It’s something we all contribute to:
Venues can provide ventilation, filters, and monitors
Staff and artists can model mask use and good practices
Attendees can follow protocols and respect clean-air guidelines
When everyone adds their “slice of cheese,” we build an environment where more people can safely share culture, creativity, and connection.
Clean air is collective care.
What Clean Air Access Can Look Like:
Basic Protocols & Tools
| Protocol | Purpose / Benefit | Suggested Implementation |
| Ventilation & air exchange | Dilutes and removes contaminants (CO₂, aerosols, viruses) | Use outdoor airflow when possible; open windows/doors; ensure HVAC brings in fresh outdoor air (not just recirculating) |
| HEPA / portable air filtration | Capture fine particles, viruses, allergens | Place HEPA or UV-HEPA (or equivalent) units in enclosed rooms, near heavy traffic or congregation zones |
| CO₂ monitoring/ display | Proxy for “how stale” the air is (ventilation adequacy) | Use CO₂ sensors in rooms; post monitors visibly so attendees know air quality; aim to keep CO₂ below certain threshold (e.g. under 800ppm) |
| Masking / respiratory barrier encouragement | Reduces virus transmission and exposure | Provide high-quality masks (e.g. N95 / P2 / FFP2 or better); encourage or require masking in dense or indoor areas; provide mask stock onsite for those who need them |
| Zoning & spacing | Reduce crowding and stagnation | Designate areas with lower density; seat spacing; one-way flow to avoid bottlenecks |
| Breaks & air flush times | Allow for recovery / reset | After high-attendance sessions, schedule a short pause to ventilate (doors open, filters run at high) |
| Signage & transparency | Build trust and clarity | Show real-time CO₂ or air quality data, signage about protocols, “how we’re ensuring clean air for you” |
| Cleaning & filter maintenance | Ensure equipment works | Regularly inspect, replace, clean air filters; follow manufacturer guidelines |
| Backup / overflow clean-air spaces | Provide refuge | Offer smaller rooms or outdoor “clean-air lounges” where people can retreat if the main space becomes uncomfortable |