Can we migrate COVID-19 spreading risk?

Abstract

It is well recognized that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus could be spread through touch and large droplets. However, we may have under-estimated the disease transmission by small droplets or aerosols that contain SARS-CoV-2 virus. Social distancing in public transport vehicles, such as airplanes, is not feasible. It is also not possible to wear masks in restaurant. This paper recommended wearing masks in airplanes and use partition screens in the middle of a table in a restaurant to reduce the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Advanced ventilation systems, such as personalized ventilation and displacement ventilation, are strongly recommended for transport vehicles and buildings.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Airborne transmission / Ventilation / Masks / Partitions

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank his former and current Ph.D. students, Jitendra Gupta, Ruoyu You, and Zhu Shi, for their significant contributions to this paper.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2020 Higher Education Press