CDC: airborne coronavirus infection possible at distances greater than six feet

America, Children, Coronavirus, Health, Infection, Science, Transmission, USA

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur from inhalation of virus in the air farther than six feet from an infectious source. With increasing distance from the source, the role of inhalation likewise increases.  Although infections through inhalation at distances greater than six feet from an infectious source are less likely than at closer distances, the phenomenon has been repeatedly documented under certain preventable circumstances.

These transmission events have involved the presence of an infectious person exhaling virus indoors for an extended time (more than 15 minutes and in some cases hours) leading to virus concentrations in the air space sufficient to transmit infections to people more than 6 feet away, and in some cases to people who have passed through that space soon after the infectious person left. Per published reports, factors that increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection under these circumstances include:

Enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation or air handling within which the concentration of exhaled respiratory fluids, especially very fine droplets and aerosol particles, can build-up in the air space.

Increased exhalation of respiratory fluids if the infectious person is engaged in physical exertion or raises their voice (e.g., exercising, shouting, singing). 

Prolonged exposure to these conditions, typically more than 15 minutes.

CDC Scientific Brief: SARS-CoV-2 Transmission

 

 

** This post was originally published on May 11, 2021 **