We've been told social distancing of 1.5 metres will prevent the spread of COVID-19, but scientists say evidence is stacking up that some tiny airborne particles can travel a lot further.
The critical importance of social distancing due to the risk of tiny airborne particles of COVID-19 has been largely focused on scientific advice that airborne spray could travel up to 1.5 metres.They examined data from 15,000 studies around the worldBut new research suggests keeping that distance from people might not always be enough of a separation to prevent infection.
Scientists from the Australian National University have found data indicating microscopic particles can travel "several metres" through the air. ANU experts in global environmental health analysed coronavirus infection data from 15,000 studies around the world. Results of their work, published in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, heighten concerns about how the deadly virus is transmitted through the air.
Lead researcher Professor Sotiris Vardoulakis said they knew large divided particles could be transported by respiratory droplets that settle a metre to 1.5 metres from a person coughing or sneezing.Watch
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