Just when we were locked in at 6 feet as the definitive social distancing guideline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says airborne viral particles can travel at least 13 feet.
The contagion can even spread on people’s shoes, according to research published in the federal agency’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal. The study, at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China, used air and surface samples collected between Feb. 19 and March 2 to identify the contagion on floors, trashcans, computer mice, doorknobs and sickbed handrails. Half of the samples from shoe soles of medical staff in the intensive care unit tested positive, according to researchers.
“Our findings suggest that home isolation of persons with suspected COVID-19 might not be a good control strategy,” the researchers said in the report. “Family members usually do not have personal protective equipment and lack professional training, which easily leads to familial cluster infections.”
The study also found airborne viral particles were detected 4 meters, or a little more than 13 feet, from patients. The report focused on conditions in a hospital setting, but the results can give experts a better idea of how the virus spreads.
COVID-19 spreads person to person when someone infected coughs, sneezes or talks. While in public, the CDC recommends people maintain 6-foot social distancing. The World Health Organization recommends 3 feet.
Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.
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