COVID-19 Can Be Transmitted Through The Air, Enclosed Rooms Are More Vulnerable

Illustration (Photo: fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) microbiology researcher Sugiyono Saputra agrees with the World Health Organization's (WHO) statement which states that transmission of COVID-19 can occur through the air.

The reason is that an infected person will emit two particles, namely, droplates and aerosols, when sneezing or coughing. Thus, aerosols which are smaller or below five micrometers will float in the air. Meanwhile, larger droplates will immediately fall or stick to objects.

"It is possible. Aerosols are smaller in size and therefore usually float in the air," Sugiyono told VOI, Thursday, July 9.

In fact, based on research, continued Sugiyono, aerosol endurance is quite long. Viruses can survive for several hours in the air but when compared to droplates, aerosol resistance is far below that.

"Aerosols are relatively dry, so viruses usually do not last longer than droplets. In the form of aerosols, sarscov2 can last up to 3 hours," said Sugiyono.

However, Sugiyono said, the potential for airbone deployment was low for open spaces. Because, with a small particle size, aerosols will be carried away by the wind or at least not easily inhaled by humans.

In fact, a big risk occurs when aerosols are in a closed room. The reason is the lack of air circulation so that aerosols are likely to remain in the room.

"The risk is much greater when in a closed room with lots of people, the airflow is not good," said Sugiyono.

For this reason, when in a closed room where many people are advised to use a mask that can withstand aerosols, for example, the N95 mask.

"In healthcare settings, usually using N95 masks or a higher level," concluded Sugiyono.