The coronavirus is mainly transmitted by respiratory route and by physical contact. Transmission by respiratory route occurs in the droplets of saliva expelled by the patient, for example when he coughs. Scientists estimate that this requires a close contact distance (about one meter).
To avoid contagion, health authorities emphasize the importance of barrier measures: avoid shaking hands and kissing, washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing in the crook of one’s elbow or in a disposable handkerchief , wear a mask if you are sick …
In addition, you can become infected by touching an infected object and then putting your hand to your face (eyes, nose, mouth …)
A study published Tuesday in the American journal NEJM showed that the new coronavirus is detectable up to two to three days on plastic or stainless steel surfaces, and up to 24 hours on cardboard.
However, these maximum durations are only theoretical, since they are recorded under experimental conditions.
An experiment by the Bauhaus University in Weimar (Germany, center) shows how air propagates differently depending on whether you breathe normally, cough, cough in one hand, in a sleeve, in a dust mask or in a surgical mask.
