The rule of thumb, or rather feet, has been to stand six feet apart in public. That’s supposed to be a safe distance if a person nearby is coughing or sneezing and is infected with the novel coronavirus, spreading droplets that may carry virus particles. Even without the launching power of a sneeze, air currents could carry a flow of aerosol sized virus particles exhaled by an infected person 20 feet or more away. In a study not yet peer reviewed, he analysed air flow and showed how, “the vortices in the air are taking the virus to different places”. “The virus is so small, it can hitch a ride even on tiny, tiny particles,” Dr Fineberg said.

Source: The Telegraph April 15, 2020 19:52 UTC