We’ve all been operating under the guidance that 6 feet could be considered relatively “safe” distancing between individuals in order to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, new data from Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China indicate that the transmission distance might be twice that or more—at least 4 meters, or 13.1 feet-plus according to a study of air samples there. The researchers based their findings on swab samples from the intensive care unit and the general ward, which collectively housed 39 patients, between February 19 and March 2. The positivity rate was especially high for floor swab samples (possibly because of gravity, they conjectured), but also high on surfaces touched frequently by staff and patients (eg, computer mice, trashcans, and doorknobs). Use this information to inform patient education, but also to impress the importance of facility hygiene on your team.
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Air Samples Indicate Transmission Distance for SARS-CoV-2 May Exceed 6 Feet