2020 has been a challenging year with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The novel virus — known as SARS-CoV-2 or more colloquially Covid-19 — has shut down the globe for many months. As research on the illness continues, knowledge of the disease is rapidly evolving. For example, research suggests the virus is transmitted through coughing sneezing and even speech droplets. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the official journal of the National Academy of Sciences, found. “Highly sensitive laser light scattering observations have revealed that loud speech can emit thousands of oral fluid droplets per second.” CDC guidelines have recommended such things as facemasks and 6 feet apart social distancing because of these findings.
Researchers estimate that droplets can travel 16 feet when walking. As for running, droplets can spread an estimated 32 feet travel distance minus a tailwind. Certain variables in a room can also contribute to airborne spread such as temperature, humidity, open windows, and air quality. Droplets will usually vanish in a matter of 15 minutes or so. If a person competes in a track race, the other runners may still be at risk of infection because of the droplets from other runners.
Scientists have suggested that — like the common flu — Covid-19 is something humanity may have to coexist with. With modern medicine, we have the best chance in fighting such a virus. Medical teams and staff and health care workers are working around the clock to give the world hope for a better tomorrow.
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