Risk of COVID-19 Transmission Inside vs. Outside: Explained

Risk of COVID-19 Transmission Inside vs.

Outside: Explained With stay-at-home orders loosening across the country, it’s important to remember COVID-19 transmission can and will still happen.

Here are a few things you should know about transmission risks inside vs.

Outside and how you can continue to stay safe.

According to professor William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University, enclosed spaces that lack proper ventilation pose the most risk.

William Schaffner, via Huffpost In comparison, larger spaces like supermarkets are safer, but poor ventilation and air conditioning can still pose a risk.

“Heavy” respiratory droplets are able to float in the air, meaning any sort of system that moves air currents can potentially circulate the virus.

Experts say the best precaution against this is to open windows and make sure your system’s filtration is in top shape.

Maintaining a proper distance of 6 to 8 feet is also important, as the closer you are to someone, the more likely transmission is.

The risk of transmission is the lowest outdoors, as it offers more space for separation and a more natural airflow.

A study published in ‘The Journal of Infectious Diseases’ also shows that ultraviolet rays may help prevent transmission.

The study found that 90 percent of coronavirus particles were deactivated by UV rays from sunlight within 10 minutes of exposure.

Still, it’s important to avoid group activities when outdoors and continue practicing proper social distancing.