Yes, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can help capture and stop the COVID-19 virus. The virus that causes COVID-19 is approximately 0.1 micron in size, which is smaller than the particle size that a HEPA filter is designed to capture (particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size).
However, HEPA filters can still be effective at capturing the COVID-19 virus because the virus is typically carried by respiratory droplets that are larger than 0.3 microns. When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release respiratory droplets into the air that can contain the virus. HEPA filters can capture these droplets, which helps to reduce the amount of virus that is circulating in the air and can potentially reduce the risk of transmission.
It’s important to note that while HEPA filters can be helpful in reducing the spread of COVID-19, they should not be relied on as the sole method of protection against the virus. Other preventative measures, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing, should also be followed.