Covid loses 90% of ability to infect within 20 minutes in air – study
Exclusive: Findings highlight importance of short-range Covid transmission
Coronavirus loses 90% of its ability to infect us within 20 minutes of becoming airborne - with most of the loss occurring within the first five minutes, the world's first simulations of how the virus survives in exhaled air suggest.
The findings re-emphasise the importance of short-range Covid transmission, with physical distancing and mask-wearing likely to be the most effective means of preventing infection. Ventilation, though still worthwhile, is likely to have a lesser impact.
This article was amended on 11 and then 12 January 2022. In an earlier version, we said Covid loses 90% of ability to infect within five minutes. It is actually within the first 20 minutes - with most of the loss occurring within the first 5 minutes. The article and headline have been corrected for clarity.