This terrifying animation shows how coronavirus particles from a single cough can hang in the air “several minutes” and spread across two aisles of a supermarket.
Scientists created a computer simulation to study how far the virus can travel indoors – and worryingly found how a cloud of droplets will infect others even after the sick person has walked away.
A simulation shows the cloud of particles passing across the aisle
A simulation shows the cloud of particles passing across the aisleCredit: Aalto University
It reveals the worrying distance particles can spread from a cough
It reveals the worrying distance particles can spread from a cough
The scientists involved say that the best way to avoid catching the virus is to stay away from busy public spaces like shops and stations.
Professor Ville Vuorinen of Aalto University in Finland told the BBC: “If you go there, only go there seldom as possible. Stay there as short a time as possible”
In a statement accompanying the video, the researchers said: “Preliminary results indicate that aerosol particles carrying the virus can remain in the air longer than was originally thought, so it is important to avoid busy public indoor spaces.
“This also reduces the risk of droplet infection, which remains the main path of transmission for coronavirus.”
The study was conducted by scientists from Finland’s Aalto University, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the University of Finland.
Experts researched how small airborne aerosol particles are transported in the air when emitted from the respiratory tract when sneezing, coughing or even talking.
They said: “In the situation under investigation, the aerosol cloud spreads outside the immediate vicinity of the coughing person and dilutes in the process.
“However, this can take up to several minutes.
“Extremely small particles of this size do not sink on the floor, but instead, move along in the air currents or remain floating in the same place.”
www.thesun.co.uk/news/11359723/video-cough-can-spread-cloud-coronavirus-across-supermarket-lingers/
h/t BFD