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Scientists discover 'elevated concentrations' of airborne COVID-19 traces on toilet areas at Wuhan hospitals

As the studies centring on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues worldwide, several scientists have pinpointed further possibilities of possible airborne transmission of COVID-19, pointing out specifically at the patients’ toilet areas.
Scientists from China have reported that they found tiny droplets that contain COVID-19 genetic markers from the air at two hospitals in Wuhan, China, the first epicentre of the virus.
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In their report published at Nature, scientists stated that they detected such airborne particles with low levels at the isolation areas. The amount of the said particles increased at areas which were regularly crowded, as well as at the toilet areas.
“The concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols detected in isolation wards and ventilated patient rooms was very low, but it was elevated in the patients’ toilet areas. Levels of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the majority of public areas was undetectable except in two areas prone to crowding, possibly due to infected carriers in the crowd,” said the study from Nature.
The scientists then stated the possibility of transmission of COVID-19 through air, based on their findings and suggested the public to have proper room ventilation, as well as the importance of proper and regular disinfection of toilet areas.
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Here are their recommendations to limit the concentration of airborne particles of COVID-19 at your home and at public areas:
– Rooms should be properly ventilated
– Open spaces should be sanitized
– Protective gear should be sanitized
– Proper use and regular disinfection of toilet areas
“Although we have not established the infectivity of the virus detected in these hospital areas, we propose that SARS-CoV-2 may have the potential to be transmitted via aerosols. Our results indicate that room ventilation, open space, sanitization of protective apparel, and proper use and disinfection of toilet areas can effectively limit the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols,” said the study.

Staff Report

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