Researchers in Finland have released a study that illustrates just how easily the Wuhan virus can spread — and they’re trying to get the word out.
A project done by three top institutions in Finland shows how “aerosol particles” containing coronavirus can spread throughout a grocery store. A single cough or sneeze could transmit airborne particles between aisles for a significant amount of time.
You can watch the short project below:
For their study, they modeled the ideal supermarket: One with aisles, shelves and a ventilation system.
The researchers say that based on the results, the aerosol particles left behind from a cough or sneeze take several minutes to disperse. In the video simulation, the particles can be seen spreading from aisle to aisle.
Researchers from three different institutions all conducted their own independent study. Aalto University, Finnish Meteorological Institute, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the University of Helsinki all found similar results.
Together they built their conclusion.
“Someone infected by the coronavirus can cough and walk away, but then leave behind extremely small aerosol particles carrying the coronavirus,” explained Professor Ville Vuorinen, of Aalto University. “These particles could then end up in the respiratory tract of others in the vicinity.”
And the team of researchers believes that the model reinforces the health recommendations from Finland’s health experts.
Jussi Sane –– Chief Specialist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare –– says: “The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends that you stay at home if you are unwell and that you maintain physical distance with everyone. The instructions also include coughing into your sleeve or a tissue and taking care of good hand hygiene.”
The advice from Finland’s top medical experts mirrors similar guidelines echoed by American healthcare officials.
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Practicing good hygiene and social distancing, and stay home if possible.
The simulation comes on the heels of an announcement by Vice President Mike Pence that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing to loosen guidelines for infected coronavirus patients seeking their way back to work.
The Horn editorial team