WASHINGTON: A new study has revealed that the coronavirus can travel up to four metres and its droplets can remain airborne for hours.
The research, led by a team in Beijing, examined surface and air samples from an intensive care unit (ICU) and a general COVID-19 ward at a hospital in Wuhan.
According to the samples taken at the hospital, the virus was most heavily concentrated on the floors of the wards. It was also found on frequently touched surfaces like computer mice, trashcans, bed rails, and doorknobs.
In the study, researchers also stated that the droplets of the virus become suspended and remain airborne for several hours, unlike cough or sneeze droplets that fall to the ground within seconds.
The study, researchers warned that the coronavirus could survive more than five days in an infected place. They said that the study proves the importance of washing hands and wearing face masks in public places because the virus can linger in the air attached to fine droplet particles.
Social distancing is recommended to curb the virus from spreading as the droplet transmission occurs when you have close contact with a person who has COVID-19 symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, which may spread these potentially infectious droplets to your body.
Meanwhile, global Coronavirus deaths have increased to 114,273, while the total number of cases worldwide has surpassed 1,853,627.
Read more: Coronavirus cases jump to 5,362 in Pakistan
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