Tulane researchers discover SARS-Covid-2 can be exhaled on tiny droplets that occur naturally when breathing, suspend itself in the air, and remain infectious for over half a day.
Tulane National Primate Research Center Director of Infectious Disease Aerobiology Chad Roy says they tested the infectious droplets in a highly controlled setting. “To our surprise the SARS-Cov-2 when in sized particles that are highly respirable maintained infectivity for up to 16 hours in an aerosol suspension,” says Roy.
That controlled setting did not account for the effects of sunlight, wind, or other naturally occurring things that could impact the particle.
Roy says that level of staying power is unusual for a coronavirus.
“SARS-Cov-2 is heartier than the MERS virus, and the original SARS virus from way back in 2003,” says Roy.
While it is concerning to know that the virus can be spread by more than just coughing, Roy says the good news is those droplets can still be stopped by a mask.
“For the most part these types of particles will be caught in that, the velocity of air that moves out of your mouth when you are exhaling is such that is will drive it into the material,” says Roy.
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