A recent study released by a Chinese medical association shows that the new coronavirus COVID-19 can spread up to 4.5 meters in an enclosed, air-conditioned vehicle. One confirmed case infected 13 others who weren’t wearing a mask on a bus. What’s even worse, the virus can survive for 30 minutes in the air.
The study found that a confirmed patient in the Chinese province of Hunan spread the virus to 13 other passengers on a bus in January.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says people should keep a distance of one meter from each other to avoid getting COVID-19.
But a Chinese study found that one person infected 13 others who weren’t wearing masks on a bus. Patient A not only spread the virus to patient E who was half a meter away, but also to patient G who was 4.5 meters away.
Patient A and Patient G had no close contact with each other. One got on through the front door, and the other through the back. The study also found the virus can survive for 30 minutes in the air.
Dr. Lee Ping-ing, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, says droplets usually fall on the ground within two meters, though they could spread further with stronger airflow. Passengers could get infected if they touch a surface where the virus has recently landed, such as bars and straps.
A Taiwan bus manager says buses are disinfected every four hours, cleaning surfaces like straps, bars, chairs, windowsills and the floor.