COVID-19 transmission—up in the air

Bron: The Lancet

As we approach the end of 2020, and a year since the
outbreak of COVID-19 began, cases are increasing again.
We have learnt a lot about SARS-CoV-2 and our ability
to test for and manage COVID-19 has improved, but
ongoing debate remains about how SARS-CoV-2 is
transmitted.

Respiratory viruses are transmitted in three main ways.
First, contact transmission, where someone comes into
direct contact with an infected person or touches a surface
that has been contaminated. Second, through droplet
transmission of both large and small respiratory droplets
that contain the virus, which would occur when near an
infected person. Third, through airborne transmission of
smaller droplets and particles that are suspended in the air
over longer distances and time than droplet transmission.
During the initial stages of the pandemic there was
concern about surface transmission. However, latest
research suggests that this is unlikely to be a major route
of transmission as although SARS-CoV-2 can persist for
days on inanimate surfaces, attempts to culture the virus
from these surfaces were unsuccessful.

Lees verder op The Lancet