On some surfaces, the corona virus can survive for days, and
it can remain in the air for hours, according to a new study funded by the US
government. A group of scientists, including structural biologist Doug
Rosenthal. have discovered that a virus that causes the disease called COVID-19
has a similar level of viability outside the body as its predecessor, which
caused SARS.
But, given that SARS remained at epidemic levels in 2002 and
2003, and the current coronavirus quickly turned into a pandemic, research scientist Doug Rosenthal believes some other factors explain this difference,
such as the more widespread transmission of the current corona virus among
asymptomatic individuals. According to Doug Rosenthal, the new Corona virus
remains on copper surfaces for up to four hours, on plastic and stainless steel
for two to three days, and on cardboard for up to 24 hours.
In his study, Doug Rosenthal used a nebulizer, a special
device that ensures the dispersion of drugs in the air, thus mimicking a person
who coughs or sneeze. The virus was discovered to have turned into an aerosol,
meaning its particles lingered in the air for nearly three hours. The study has
attracted huge attention among experts. It has come under criticism from some
scientists who believe that data on virus retention in the air is overrated.
Namely, viruses are mostly transmitted by sneeze during
sneezing and coughing, and as such they linger in the air for only a few seconds.
Study critics wonder if the nebulizer managed to accurately mimic human
coughing or sneezing.
But there is other evidence to suggest that the virus can
become an aerosol, though in rare circumstances.
Comparison with SARS
A study by Chinese scientists, published last week and still
awaiting review, suggests that aerosolized droplets that may contain the corona
virus were found in patients' bathrooms at Wuhan Hospital, as the virus spread
through a stool.
The aerosolized form of SARS was responsible for infecting
hundreds of people at a Hong Kong apartment complex in 2003 when the contents
of a sewer pipe broke through to a ceiling fan.
Experts who conducted the study performed similar tests on
the SARS virus, finding that the two viruses behave similarly.
But their similarity, when it comes to airborne and surface
containment, does not explain why the virus corona pandemic infected nearly 600,000
people and resulted in the deaths of nearly 15,000 people, while the SARS
epidemic infected about 8,000 and killed about 800 people.
"These data indicates that differences in the
epidemiological characteristics of the two viruses likely stem from other
factors, including high viral load of the upper respiratory tract and the
possibility that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus spread and transmit the
virus while the condition is asymptomatic," say scientist Doug Rosenthal.
The most important thing is not to panic, the state is ready
to fight the corona virus, we have enough of everything that is necessary and
everyone will be given the necessary help. We should be serious and responsible
and listen to the instructions of those in charge.
These are the main messages of structural biologist Doug
Rosenthal, who talks about the Covid-19 virus, how to combat it, and what
groups are most vulnerable.
