Scientists have suggested that the novel coronavirus can stay alive up to three hours as tiny droplets in stagnant air and infect people who inhale it. Indoor space with bare minimum ventilation and crowd can be a risky spot to get the virus. However, researchers are yet to provide accurate data of the virus’ frequency to spread through aerosols or tiny droplets in the air. In an open letter written to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 200 experts have stated that aerosols are released even if a person without any symptoms talks, breathes or even sings.
However, experts have agreed that the virus cannot travel long distances hence outdoor airborne spread poses a lesser threat than indoor spread. In order to reduce the risk of the airborne spread, people need to minimize indoor time spent with outsiders and stronger air fresheners and UV lights need to be installed in schools, offices, temples and churches and more noted the experts.
From the very beginning, WHO and other health organizations have only taken note of the spread through larger droplets that are given out when a person coughs or sneezes. But reports are showing that infected people can also expel aerosols which can cause equal damage. Since these aerosols are relatively lighter, they can stay afloat in the air for a much longer time.
While maintaining the six feet distance and washing hands frequently remain to stay as important precautions, wearing the mask should be emphasized all the more, even when one is indoor and surrounded by a bunch of others.
Don Milton, an aerosol expert at the University of Maryland said, “There is a huge vulnerability to infection transmission via aerosols in schools.” He further added, “So far, we don’t have evidence that elementary schools will be a problem, but the upper grades, I think, would be more likely to be a problem.”
