New study on how Covid-19 could spread through the air even by just talking


The new study boosts the hypothesis that normal speaking and breathing, not just coughing and sneezing, are responsible for spreading Covid-19 -- and that infectious doses of the virus can travel distances far greater than the two metres urged by social distancing guidelines. - AP

WASHINGTON (AFP): Scientists have known for several months the new coronavirus can become suspended in microdroplets expelled by patients when they speak and breathe, but until now there was no proof that these tiny particles are infectious.

A new study by scientists at the University of Nebraska that was uploaded to a medical preprint site this week has shown for the first time that SARS-CoV-2 taken from microdroplets, defined as under five microns, can replicate in lab conditions.

The Star 6.6 DEAL: 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.04/month

Billed as RM 9.04 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean news headlines as of 10pm on Friday (June 5)
World Cup a wee too early? No worry as Singapore bars, restaurants gear up for football season
Vietnam's southern hub targets 900,000 new jobs for 2026-2030
Cambodian para throwball teams retain back-to-back Asian championship titles
China, Laos agree to build all-weather community with shared future in new era
Bhutan to give cash incentives to families for more babies
Philippine police silent on rumours Dela Rosa fled Manila by yacht
Negri royal row: DKU secretary to initiate committal proceedings for contempt of court against ruling chiefs
Joint operation in Kuala Belait nets arrests, drug and cigarette seizures
Indonesia affirms business certainty under one-door export policy

Others Also Read