This is very useful information from the WHO. The current understanding is that this type of virus is mainly transmitted through surfaces and large droplet fractions of biological aerosols – it’s a cloud of particles from the mouth and nose when sneezing, coughing, or even talking. I think the WHO thought long and hard before making such a somewhat dangerous point public. https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19-implications-for-ipc-precaution-recommendations
If the scientists are right, then it seems the risk of contracting COVID is virtually nil if a person goes outside, walks to the store, uses a self-checkout, and washes their hands there in the bathroom upon exit. Probably, part of my audience won’t understand the part about the bathroom at the exit and the automatic checkouts… well, then keep about two meters from the cashier. It’s very important for many elderly people to still visit the store, so it’s worth knowing what to fear most. Don’t talk to anyone closer than two meters, don’t touch anything, don’t bite your nails, don’t pick your nose, don’t scratch your eyes, love soap.
I don’t quite understand the physics of the process. Can someone explain? Why doesn’t the fine droplet fraction “work”? That is, in what theoretical situations might it not work? Why can the measles or chickenpox virus spread through fine aerosols and linger in the air for an hour, but COVID-19 cannot?
Hi, I'm Rauf Aliev. 