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The greatest risk lurks in these places

Coronavirus can spread easily on the plane, on the train, in a restaurant – wherever there are people in confined spaces. A study now shows which situations are particularly risky.

The corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted via droplets that arise when speaking, coughing and sneezing. The research situation on the question of where it spreads particularly well is not yet clear. However, there are first indications.

The virologist Dr. Muge Cevic from the University of St. Andrews in the UK has evaluated global corona virus studies and identified the largest sources of infection. Accordingly, the risk of infection is always very high if people spend a long time together in a closed room with an infected person. The decisive factor in determining whether a person is infected with the corona virus or not is the virus dose – the amount of viruses that they come into contact with. This is much higher indoors without sufficient air exchange than outdoors.

This is also confirmed by a study from China. The study tracked 2,147 contacts from 157 Covid-19 patients. The average infection rate was six percent. Most of the infections took place indoors, such as in one’s own household, means of transport or restaurants.

An overview of various everyday situations and their infection risks:

Living on your own

According to the Chinese study, the greatest risk of becoming infected with the corona virus is in one’s own household. Because there people spend intensive time together. Scientists from the University of Hong Kong have found that an average of 22 percent of all people who live in the same household as an infected person contract it. Within families, spouses seem to infect each other particularly often. The decisive factor is physical closeness to one another.

Bus, train, plane

In public transport such as buses or trains, many people meet in a confined space. According to the study authors, virus transmission is particularly common there. The infection rate of the investigation in China averaged eleven percent.

Protective measures such as keeping your distance and wearing a face mask minimize the risk of infection when staying indoors – provided everyone adheres to it. In the meantime, a mask requirement applies to all local and long-distance rail services.

Airplane: Hundreds of passengers sit close together on the plane. (Source: SolStock / Getty Images)

The risk of infection appears to be particularly high on airplanes in times of the corona pandemic. Passengers from all over the world sit closely together in rows – without maintaining the minimum distance. A mask requirement on board is intended to reduce the risk of infection through coughing or direct contact.

Many believe that air conditioning systems in airplanes are additional virus throwers that distribute the corona virus in the air. However, according to the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, a complex and closed ventilation system in passenger aircraft ensures very clean air and a low risk of infection on board. The air in the cabin is renewed every two to three minutes and corresponds to the quality in a hospital. According to Airbus, particles like the corona virus can be removed from the air with a probability of 99.97 percent.

Restaurants and cafes

According to the study authors, the places that pose the greatest risk of infection also include restaurants and cafés, where many people stay indoors and eat together. No mask is worn when eating food and drinks. It is therefore all the more important that the rooms are well ventilated so that the virus cannot spread. The risk of infection in outdoor locations such as beer gardens is likely to be lower.

Supermarkets and shops

Supermarkets and shops are also places with a slightly higher risk of infection because people meet there in a small space. Wearing a mask is mandatory in Germany and is intended to minimize the risk of infection. The minimum distance of 1.5 meters should be observed in public spaces.

Supermarket: A mask requirement has been in effect nationwide since the end of April. (Source: Getty Images / ArtMarie)Supermarket: A mask requirement has been in effect nationwide since the end of April. (Source: ArtMarie / Getty Images)

free time activities

Jogging, cycling, walking – the risk of infection is significantly lower in outdoor activities. Because people only meet each other temporarily. The situation is different for indoor gyms and sports facilities: Here it is imperative to observe the hygiene rules. This includes the disinfection of devices.

Workplace

The risk of infection can also be increased at the workplace. Especially in open-plan offices, many people meet in closed rooms. For long-term use of the Corona virus According to the virologist, better ventilation concepts and hygiene standards should be developed.

Important NOTE: The information is by no means a substitute for professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized doctors. The content of t-online.de cannot and must not be used to independently diagnose or start treatment.

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