Bioaerosols size effects transmission of COVID-19

April 9th, 2020 • Can SARS-CoV-2 be spread through air?

This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (yellow)—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—isolated from a patient, emerging from the surface of cells (blue/pink) cultured in the lab. Credit: NIAID-RML

A new article currently undergoing scientific peer-review explains how SARS-CoV-2 can be spread through bioaerosols causing the COVID-19 coronavirus disease.

The research cites recent work conducted in two hospitals in Wuhan (China), showing that medical staff removing their protective equipment release from them a considerable number of particle with the virus that could cause others to get sick.

The aerosolization concept provides a pathway to help explain why COVID-19 is spreading so fast.

The idea may be important for public policy modification as many cities have advised residents to wear a facemask or at least a homemade one in public.

More information at: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202004.0093/v1/download

More information:
Marcelo Guzman. Bioaerosol Size Effect in COVID-19 Transmission, (2020). DOI: 10.20944/preprints202004.0093.v1

Provided by University of Kentucky