4 ms·
"However, it seems COVID has an above average ability to survive in extremely fine droplets - think mist-sized particles that CAN float in the air for an extend
by timr 6y ago
"However, it seems COVID has an above average ability to survive in extremely fine droplets - think mist-sized particles that CAN float in the air for an extended period of time (given the right circumstances)."
This is one of those "facts" that is often repeated, but which has little actual evidence if you bother to look for it. The WHO has been consistent that aerosol transmission of the virus is a theory with little backing evidence:
Some outbreak reports related to indoor crowded spaces have suggested the possibility of aerosol transmission, combined with droplet transmission, for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes. In these events, short-range aerosol transmission, particularly in specific indoor locations, such as crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces over a prolonged period of time with infected persons cannot be ruled out. However, the detailed investigations of these clusters suggest that droplet and [transmission from contaminated surfaces or objects] could also explain human-to-human transmission within these clusters."
"Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted between people via respiratory droplets and contact routes – although aerosolization in medical settings where aerosol generating procedures are used is also another possible mode of transmission"
https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/transmission-of-sars-cov-2-implications-for-infection-prevention-precautions https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/transmissi...
ARS did a pretty good job of summarizing the (IMO terrible) mass-media reporting on this issue:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/07/no-the-who-has-not-reversed-its-stance-on-airborne-transmission/ https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/07/no-the-who-has-not-r...
- SkyPuncher 6y ago> although aerosolization in medical settings where aerosol generating procedures are used is also another possible mode of transmission I'm married to a physician and have been primarily following this through the eyes of her and her peers. In an acute care setting, aerosolization is a huge concern. It's a big factor between being able to get away with a surgical mask/face shield and requiring significant PPE. In daily life, this probably isn't a huge concern (or a significant means of transmission at a public health level).
- timr 6y agoSure, absolutely. If you're in the business of intubating people on a daily basis, then it's a real concern.
- gabaix 6y agoThis is what the article challenges. The author provides cases of events where infection by droplets cannot entirely explain the spread.