Does the virus causing COVID-19 linger in stagnant air for longer than other respiratory viruses?
Thursday, February 4, 2021
By Mia Dillon
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YES
A September study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that particles of the virus causing COVID-19 can remain infectious in stagnant air for up to 16 hours, a longer period than some other respiratory coronaviruses.
The study compared aerosolized particles in enclosed chambers from three respiratory coronaviruses, including the new coronavirus (identified by scientists as SARS-CoV-2), SARS and MERS. COVID-19 remained infectious in the air for longer periods than both of the others. While the new coronavirus lingered longer than scientists initially expected, a 16-hour duration was only observed once.
The CDC says more research is needed in order to improve suggested ways to reduce transmission of the virus.
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