Coronavirus can travel twice as far as official ‘safe distance’ and stay in air for 30 minutes, Chinese study finds

The coronavirus that causes Covid-19 can linger in the air for at least 30 minutes and travel up to 4.5 metres – further than the “safe distance” advised by health authorities around the world, according to a study by a team of Chinese government epidemiologists.

The researchers also found that it can last for days on a surface where respiratory droplets land, raising the risk of transmission if unsuspecting people touch it and then rub their face.

The length of time it lasts on the surface depends on factors such as temperature and the type of surface, for example at around 37C (98F), it can survive for two to three days on glass, fabric, metal, plastic or paper.

Nature - totes uncool, yo.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3074351/coronavirus-can-travel-twice-far-official-safe-distance-and-stay

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SW-User

there's zero ways to contain it. its over i think.

QuixoticSoul · 41-45, M

@SW-User This one might be with us until we find a workable vaccine, yeah. But if we can slow down the rate of transmission we can at least allow hospitals to keep up.

If serious cases don't get medical support, ICU slots, etc - you'll see a spike in the fatality rate.

China and SK have managed to get some sort of handle on things, but we might have to go through with the same lockdowns.

One of many times in my life I've lamented that I don't own a space suit.

SW-User

@QuixoticSoul you actually make a really good point. but because there aren't enough test kits in the u.s. to even test people who could potentially have it due to exposure, we are kinda screwed.

QuixoticSoul · 41-45, M

@SW-User Yeah the testing situation is pretty inexcusable tbh. The administration promised millions ready to go next week, so hopefully things will turn around.