Model Calculations of Aerosol Transmission and Infection Risk of COVID-19 in Indoor Environments.

ABSTRACT: The role of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 viruses in airborne transmission of COVID-19 has been debated. The aerosols are transmitted through breathing and vocalization by infectious subjects. Some authors state that this represents the dominant route of spreading, while others dismiss the option. Here we present an adjustable algorithm to estimate the infection risk for different indoor environments, constrained by published data of human aerosol emissions, SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, infective dose and other parameters. We evaluate typical indoor settings such as an office, a classroom, choir practice, and a reception/party. Our results suggest that aerosols from highly infective subjects can effectively transmit COVID-19 in indoor environments. This "highly infective" category represents approxima

SUBMITTER: Lelieveld J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7662582 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature