4. Study Aerosols are main transmission route
N-TV
An analysis of international studies on coronavirus supports research that sees aerosols as a major route of transmission of covid-19. If the hypothesis is correct, protective measures for indoor spaces need to be reconsidered, including classrooms and offices.Already in mid-May, virologist Christian Drosten pointed out that aerosols are probably the most important transmission route for the coronavirus besides droplet infection. These are basically droplets as well. However, at less than 5 micrometers, they are much smaller and can remain suspended in the air in particles for long periods of time.Since then, there has been growing evidence that aerosols play an important role in the transmission of covid-19, but scientific evidence is still lacking. Although it cannot provide this, a summary analysis by US lung specialist Kevin P. Fennelly does confirm the dominant role of aerosols in corona dispersal. It was published in the renowned medical journal “The Lancet”.Aerosols more dangerous than larger dropletsFennelly has analyzed several studies on the spread of viruses via particles emitted during coughing and exhalation. His goal was to find out what masks and other measures could protect healthcare workers from contracting Covid-19.The pulmonologist concludes that the assumption that most respiratory infections occur via droplets is incorrect. Pathogens such as the coronavirus are emitted by infected persons in particles of various sizes, but many viruses are found in aerosols smaller than 5 micrometres.From this, Fennelly concludes, among other things, that hospital staff must always be equipped with masks that can filter aerosols (FFP2/3). They should also wear shields to protect their eyes. But his findings also play a role outside the health care system. After all, if aerosols really do play a more important role in the transmission of coronavirus than conventional droplet infection, the current distance rules, for example, make no sense when people meet indoors. This is the case, for example, when schools resume regular operations after the summer holidays.That Sars-Cov-2 can survive in aerosols for a long time is suggested, among other things, by a study published on 22 June in the journal “Emerging Microbes & Infections”. British scientists had produced aerosols from artificial saliva with a diameter of 2 to 3 micrometers and loaded them with coronaviruses. According to Spektrum.de, the researchers were able to detect live viruses in both high and low humidity conditions even after 90 minutes.Scientists write open letter to WHOFor Lidia Morawska of the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, there is no longer any doubt. She co-authored an analysis of a superspreader event at a choir rehearsal in Washington State. “Aerosol transmission is the only logical explanation for such infectious events,” she told Spectrum.co.uk. Morawska wrote an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) and national authorities, which 237 international researchers have signed. They call on the organization to take aerosol transmission as a route of infection seriously and to develop appropriate recommendations for ventilation and decontamination of buildings. The WHO has at least announced that it will seriously review the claims.The RKI has already largely acknowledged the importance of aerosol transmission. The “fact sheet” on Covid-19 states that “prolonged residence in small, poorly ventilated or unventilated rooms may increase the probability of transmission by aerosols even over a distance greater than 2 metres, particularly if an infectious person emits a particularly large number of small particles (aerosols) and exposed persons inhale particularly deeply.” And, “Due to the accumulation and dispersion of aerosols, keeping the minimum distance may no longer be sufficient under these conditions.”Source:https://www.n-tv.de/panorama/Studie-Aerosole-sind-Hauptuebertragungsweg-article21936242.html