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The omicron variant continues to gain ground worldwide. A study now shows how long Coronaviruses in the air are really contagious.
It is easier to become infected with the coronavirus indoors than outdoors. Aerosols play a major role in its spread. However, many infected people do not know where exactly they became infected.
“But it is known that unventilated indoor spaces are certainly the pandemic driver, when many people gather in them, celebrate together,” explains aerosol expert Gerhard Scheuch in the ntv podcast “Wieder was gelernt.”
According to a study by the University of Bristol, most corona viruses lose their power to infect after just a few minutes.
However, the researchers took a look at the earlier Corona variants, but do not believe that Omikron behaves differently. The particles lose water after exhalation and dry out.
As a result, they can no longer attack human cells as easily. This drying out depends on the humidity of the air, according to the scientists.
“However, the researchers in the UK have now found that high humidity levels are very favorable for the virus,” Scheuch continues.
If the humidity is above 90 percent, more than half of the viruses are still contagious after about five minutes, he said. After about 20 minutes, regardless of humidity, only ten percent would still be contagious.
If, on the other hand, there is a lack of good ventilation, this remaining ten percent would spread quickly and be able to remain indoors for hours.
In addition, distance also plays a major role in the transmission of the virus. Even half a meter more or less can make a difference, according to the study.
If you can’t keep a distance, wearing a mask is therefore all the more important – such as on public transport.
- hp/source: heute.at/picture:Image by Mircea – See my collections from Pixabay
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