Analysis of temperature, ventilation and construction materials that promote contagion of Covid-19 in social housing

Abstract

The study reflects how the pandemic affected a sample of the population in Managua, specifically the Reparto San Antonio located in District II-Managua. This sector includes a social housing (VIS) project, creating a contrast with the surrounding types of housing. Here, urban and climatic conditions, such as the proximity to Lake Managua and busy roads, influence thermal comfort and ventilation—key factors in the spread and control of the virus. The analysis highlights that areas with higher density, poorer ventilation, and higher temperatures, typical of VIS projects, experienced higher infection rates compared to other zones like San Antonio. Despite being a relatively small urban area, temperature ranges are not homogeneous. The study emphasizes the importance of natural ventilation, green spaces, and appropriate building materials in mitigating the effects of the pandemic and other health emergencies. Although most residents complied with quarantine measures, limitations in housing quality affected isolation conditions, highlighting the need to improve climatic conditions and housing infrastructure to face future public health threats.