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Social distancing measures are still in place in countries around the world that have been trying to “flatten the curve” in recent weeks. Reducing the rate of transmission of the novel coronavirus is imperative and the only way to ensure that hospitals have time to treat severe cases while possible cures and vaccines are discussed. But some governments are already contemplating measures that would allow people to return to a mainstream version. Restrictions will be eased, but not all social distancing measures will be lifted.
We’ve noticed several studies that have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can far exceed the 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) that the WHO or CDC consider a safe distance, depending on who you ask. that the virus can reach up to three meters in a controlled environment, such as a hospital ward where COVID-19 patients are treated. Others have studied the movement of droplets carrying the virus and said smaller droplets can evaporate faster than hitting the ground or other surfaces. , which allows the virus to float in aerosols in the air for longer.
Restaurant X is a 5-storey building, air-conditioned and windowless. The dining room on the 3rd floor occupies 145 m2; The floor has its own air conditioning (Figure). The distance between tables is approximately 1 m [3 ft]. Families A and B sat during a 53-minute overlap period and A and C families during a 73-minute overlap period. The central air conditioning outlet and return air inlet were located above Table C (Figure [above]).
The main takeaway is that the virus can spread well beyond the 3 to 6 feet mentioned in the reports, thanks to air conditioning, which can be a major challenge for any type of business that attracts massive crowds of people who aren’t wearing masks.
Transmission of the virus in this outbreak cannot be explained solely by droplet transmission. Larger respiratory droplets (> five μm) remain in the air only for a short period of time and over short distances, usually < 1 m [3 ft]. The distances between patient A1 and the other people seated at the other tables, adding those at table C, were all greater than 1 m [3 feet]. However, the strong airflow from the air conditioner may have only scattered droplets from Table C to Table A, then to Table B, and then back to Table C (Figure).
While you’re waiting to get back to your favorite restaurants, you can and deserve to help you order food if they continue to deliver during the shutdown. It’s perfectly safe to get food at a restaurant.
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