Lack of ventilation in close quarters
Lack of ventilation to exchange fresh air for stale, can let virus buildup in indoor spaces, especially in close quarters such. Close settings such as correctional facilities or care homes have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
Ventilation moves outdoor air into a building or a close space, and distributes the air within the building or room. It provides healthy air for breathing by diluting the pollutants in the building and removing them from it.
Homeless shelters
Nursing homes
Loudness and duration
of speech
Experts have found a direct correlation between the amount of aerosols emitted, the loudness of speech and its duration. Different superspreading events involved people singing in a closed space over a period of time.
In in Mount Vernon, U.S. , 53 out of 61 (87%) attendants to a 2.5 hours long choir practice became ill. In Germany, 59 out of 78 singers got sick after a practice of the choir of Berlin’s Protestant cathedral on March 9. A church service involving singing ended also with 107 ill at the congregation Gospel Christians Baptists, in Frankfurt, on May 10.
UNDERSTANDING COVID-19
New normal: How far is safe enough?
Among the many ways COVID-19 has reshaped our lives, one of its most enduring effects may be changes to the way we use and move through public spaces. Parks, restaurants, theatres and more all pose hazards for virus transmission, and governments are setting out new restrictions to make these places safer.
We are adapting
our personal boundaries
Personal space means different things in different places. We usually draw invisible boundaries based on how close we are to the people we interact with. Our closest friends and family at one level, strangers we meet in public at another.
But COVID-19 has changed all that. Many countries have implemented social distancing rules to keep people separated by a safe distance. Those rules clash with our normal sense of personal space.
How big a change that is from our normal routine, though, varies a lot. Even within the same country, personal space can differ depending on age or culture. In some countries, experts are taking these differences into account when designing the policies that will determine the new normal.
In 2017, researchers in the UK surveyed people’s preferred personal distances by country.
Intimate space
Closest friends and family
Personal space
Acquaintances
Social space
COVID-19 distancing guidelines implemented by local governments have changed the way we experience these spaces in 2020.
Strangers
95 cm
69
47
US
183 cm
(6 feet)
99 cm
103 cm
80
85
56
74
UK
Canada
200 cm
200 cm
96 cm
77 cm
70
59
40
41
Germany
150 cm
Argentina
200 cm
98 cm
91 cm
81
68
61
45
Greece
Spain
150 cm
150 cm
116 cm
111 cm
84
77
58
45
Portugal
China
But, is it safe enough?
100 cm
150 cm
So far, we know the novel coronavirus spreads from person to person through droplets created when we cough, sneeze or talk. According to the World Health Organization, these droplets can travel up to a metre (3.28 feet).
Researchers are also studying whether the virus can be transmitted by aerosols. Those smaller, airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and travel even longer distances. This could have important implications for social distancing guidelines.
101 cm
78
54
Brazil
150 cm
123 cm
116 cm
93
87
58
70
Hong Kong
Turkey
100 cm
150 cm
At MIT, researchers found droplets can travel as much as 8 metres.
US CDC
1.8 M
(6 feet)
World Health Organization
1M
In Wuhan, China, researchers found the virus in the air 4 metres away from an infected patient.
Africa CDC
1M
European Union
Aviation Agency
1.5M
ASSESSING RISKS
When we cough, we expel thousands of droplets that can contain the virus. How much of a risk these droplets pose depends heavily on the context.
Viral particles
are released
Viral load
builds up
Infectious dose
is reached
Every droplet contains a number of viral particles: a replica of the virus’ genetic material.
The amount of particles entering your body is known as viral load. If this amount remains low, your body may be able to fight off the virus.
As the viral load in your body grows, it can reach the infectious dose needed to contract COVID-19 and can lead to more severe symptoms of the respiratory disease.
Context factors:
Outdoors
Indoors
Quantity
A different number of particles are released depending on the way they are released: coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or even singing.
Distance
Small droplets travel further
than large droplets.
Airflow
Air currents can push particles further and make them recirculate. Lack of fresh air allows particles to build up.
Time
The more time we are exposed, the higher the risk of new particles being released and making it to our body.
Playing contact sports such as soccer or basketball
Sharing a confined indoor space for a period of time with people talking loudly or singing.
Chatting with a friend for minutes without keeping a safe distance
More risk
Less risk
Kicking a ball with a friend at a safe distance
Passing by a runner for a couple of seconds
Visiting a library or a museum with proper ventilation, respecting distancing rules.
In 2017, researchers in the UK surveyed people’s preferred personal distances by country.
Intimate space
Closest friends and family
Personal space
Acquaintances
Social space
COVID-19 distancing guidelines implemented by local governments have changed the way we experience these spaces in 2020.
Strangers
95 cm
69
47
US
183 cm
(6 feet)
99 cm
103 cm
80
85
56
74
Canada
UK
200 cm
200 cm
96 cm
77 cm
70
59
40
41
Germany
150 cm
Argentina
200 cm
98 cm
91 cm
81
68
61
45
Greece
Spain
150 cm
150 cm
116 cm
111 cm
84
77
58
45
Portugal
China
But, is it safe enough?
100 cm
150 cm
So far, we know the novel coronavirus spreads from person to person through droplets created when we cough, sneeze or talk. According to the World Health Organization, these droplets can travel up to a metre (3.28 feet).
Researchers are also studying whether the virus can be transmitted by aerosols. Those smaller, airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and travel even longer distances. This could have important implications for social distancing guidelines.
101 cm
78
54
Brazil
150 cm
123 cm
116 cm
93
87
58
70
Hong Kong
Turkey
100 cm
150 cm
At MIT, researchers found droplets can travel as much as 8 metres.
US CDC
1.8 M
(6 feet)
World Health Organization
1M
In Wuhan, China, researchers found the virus in the air 4 metres away from an infected patient.
Africa CDC
1M
European Union
Aviation Agency
1.5M
ASSESSING RISKS
When we cough, we expel thousands of droplets that can contain the virus. How much of a risk these droplets pose depends heavily on the context.
Viral load
builds up
Infectious dose
is reached
Viral particles
are released
Every droplet contains a number of viral particles: a replica of the virus’ genetic material.
The amount of particles entering your body is known as viral load. If this amount remains low, your body may be able to fight off the virus.
As the viral load in your body grows, it can reach the infectious dose needed to contract COVID-19 and can lead to more severe symptoms of the respiratory disease.
Context factors:
Outdoors
Indoors
Quantity
A different number of particles are released depending on the way they are released: coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or even singing.
Distance
Small droplets travel further
than large droplets.
Airflow
Air currents can push particles further and make them recirculate. Lack of fresh air allows particles to build up.
Time
The more time we are exposed, the higher the risk of new particles being released and making it to our body.
Playing contact sports such as soccer or basketball
Sharing a confined indoor space for a period of time with people talking loudly or singing.
Chatting with a friend for minutes without keeping a safe distance
More risk
More risk
Less risk
Less risk
Kicking a ball with a friend at a safe distance
Passing by a runner for a couple of seconds
Visiting a library or a museum with proper ventilation, respecting distancing rules.
In 2017, researchers in the UK surveyed people’s preferred personal distances by country.
Intimate space
Closest friends
and family
Personal space
Acquaintances
Social space
Strangers
COVID-19 distancing guidelines implemented by local governments have changed the way we experience these spaces in 2020.
Italy
100 cm
US
183 cm
(6 feet)
Canada
UK
200 cm
200 cm
Germany
Argentina
150 cm
200 cm
Greece
Spain
150 cm
150 cm
China
Portugal
100 cm
150 cm
India
Brazil
100 cm
150 cm
Hong Kong
Turkey
100 cm
150 cm
But, is it safe enough?
So far, we know the novel coronavirus spreads from person to person through droplets created when we cough, sneeze or talk. According to the World Health Organization, these droplets can travel up to a metre (3.28 feet).
Researchers are also studying whether the virus can be transmitted by aerosols. Those smaller, airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and travel even longer distances. This could have important implications for social distancing guidelines.
8 M
At MIT, researchers found droplets can travel as much as 8 metres.
4 M
In Wuhan, China, researchers found the virus in the air 4 metres away from an infected patient.
US CDC
1.8 M (6 feet)
European Union Aviation Agency
1.5M
World Health Organization
1M
Africa CDC
1M
ASSESSING RISKS
When we cough, we expel thousands of droplets that can contain the virus. How much of a risk these droplets pose depends heavily on the context.
Exposure:
Viral particles are released
Every droplet contains a number of viral particles: a replica of the virus’ genetic material.
Viral load builds up
The amount of particles entering your body is known as viral load. If this amount remains low, your body may be able to fight off the virus.
Infectious dose is reached
As the viral load in your body grows, it can reach the infectious dose needed to contract COVID-19 and can lead to more severe symptoms of the respiratory disease.
Context factors:
Quantity
A different number of particles are released depending on the way they are released: coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or even singing.
Distance
Small droplets travel further
than large droplets.
Airflow
Air currents can push particles further and make them recirculate. Lack of fresh air allows particles to build up.
Time
The more time we are exposed, the higher the risk of new particles being released and making it to our body.
Scenarios:
Outdoors
Indoors
Playing contact sports such as soccer or basketball
Sharing a confined indoor space for a period of time with people talking loudly or singing.
More risk
Less risk
Kicking a ball with a friend at a safe distance
Visiting a library or a museum with proper ventilation, respecting distancing rules.
Outbreaks:
A study across 120 cities in China determined that among 318 outbreaks, only one happened outdoors.
Homes
Four out of every five outbreaks were in a home.
Transport
One out of three outbreaks involved public transport.
In 2017, researchers in the UK surveyed people’s preferred personal distances by country.
Intimate space
Closest friends
and family
Personal space
Acquaintances
Social space
Strangers
COVID-19 distancing guidelines implemented by local governments have changed the way we experience these spaces in 2020.
Italy
100 cm
US
183 cm
(6 feet)
Canada
UK
200 cm
200 cm
Germany
Argentina
150 cm
200 cm
Greece
Spain
150 cm
150 cm
China
Portugal
100 cm
150 cm
India
Brazil
100 cm
150 cm
Hong Kong
Turkey
100 cm
150 cm
But, is it safe enough?
So far, we know the novel coronavirus spreads from person to person through droplets created when we cough, sneeze or talk. According to the World Health Organization, these droplets can travel up to a metre (3.28 feet).
Researchers are also studying whether the virus can be transmitted by aerosols. Those smaller, airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and travel even longer distances. This could have important implications for social distancing guidelines.
8 M
At MIT, researchers found droplets can travel as much as 8 metres.
4 M
In Wuhan, China, researchers found the virus in the air 4 metres away from an infected patient.
US CDC
1.8 M (6 feet)
European Union Aviation Agency
1.5M
World Health Organization
1M
Africa CDC
1M
ASSESSING RISKS
When we cough, we expel thousands of droplets that can contain the virus. How much of a risk these droplets pose depends heavily on the context.
Exposure:
Viral particles are released
Every droplet contains a number of viral particles: a replica of the virus’ genetic material.
Viral load builds up
The amount of particles entering your body is known as viral load. If this amount remains low, your body may be able to fight off the virus.
Infectious dose is reached
As the viral load in your body grows, it can reach the infectious dose needed to contract COVID-19 and can lead to more severe symptoms of the respiratory disease.
Context factors:
Quantity
A different number of particles are released depending on the way they are released: coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or even singing.
Distance
Small droplets travel further
than large droplets.
Airflow
Air currents can push particles further and make them recirculate. Lack of fresh air allows particles to build up.
Time
The more time we are exposed, the higher the risk of new particles being released and making it to our body.
Scenarios:
Outdoors
Indoors
Playing contact sports such as soccer or basketball
Sharing a confined indoor space for a period of time with people talking loudly or singing.
More risk
Less risk
Kicking a ball with a friend at a safe distance
Visiting a library or a museum with proper ventilation, respecting distancing rules.
Outbreaks:
A study across 120 cities in China determined that among 318 outbreaks, only one happened outdoors.
Homes
Four out of every five outbreaks were in a home.
Transport
One out of three outbreaks involved public transport.
In 2017, researchers in the UK surveyed people’s preferred personal distances by country.
Intimate space
Closest friends and family
Personal space
Acquaintances
Social space
COVID-19 distancing guidelines implemented by local governments have changed the way we experience these spaces in 2020.
Strangers
95 cm
106 cm
69
85
66
47
US
South Korea
183 cm
(6 feet)
200 cm
127 cm
99 cm
105
103 cm
80
97
85
56
74
Saudi Arabia
Canada
UK
200 cm
100-200 cm
200 cm
96 cm
93 cm
77 cm
70
68
59
42
40
41
Italy
Germany
100 cm
150 cm
Argentina
200 cm
98 cm
91 cm
81
68
61
45
Spain
Greece
150 cm
150 cm
116 cm
111 cm
110 cm
84
77
87
58
58
45
Portugal
India
China
But, is it safe enough?
100 cm
100 cm
150 cm
So far, we know the novel coronavirus spreads from person to person through droplets created when we cough, sneeze or talk. According to the World Health Organization, these droplets can travel up to a metre (3.28 feet).
Researchers are also studying whether the virus can be transmitted by aerosols. Those smaller, airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and travel even longer distances. This could have important implications for social distancing guidelines.
101 cm
78
54
Brazil
200 cm
123 cm
116 cm
93
99 cm
87
83
58
70
66
Mexico
Hong Kong
Turkey
100 cm
150 cm
150 cm
At MIT, researchers found droplets can travel as much as 8 metres.
US CDC
1.8 M
(6 feet)
World Health Organization
1M
In Wuhan, China, researchers found the virus in the air 4 metres away from an infected patient.
Africa CDC
1M
European Union
Aviation Agency
1.5M
ASSESSING RISKS
When we cough, we expel thousands of droplets that can contain the virus. How much of a risk these droplets pose depends heavily on the context.
Viral load
builds up
Infectious dose
is reached
Viral particles
are released
Every droplet contains a number of viral particles: a replica of the virus’ genetic material.
The amount of particles entering your body is known as viral load. If this amount remains low, your body may be able to fight off the virus.
As the viral load in your body grows, it can reach the infectious dose needed to contract COVID-19 and can lead to more severe symptoms of the respiratory disease.
Context factors:
Outdoors
Indoors
Quantity
A different number of particles are released depending on the way they are released: coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or even singing.
Distance
Small droplets travel further
than large droplets.
Airflow
Air currents can push particles further and make them recirculate. Lack of fresh air allows particles to build up.
Time
The more time we are exposed, the higher the risk of new particles being released and making it to our body.
Playing contact sports such as soccer or basketball
Sharing a confined indoor space for a period of time with people talking loudly or singing.
Chatting with a friend for minutes without keeping a safe distance
More risk
More risk
Less risk
Less risk
Kicking a ball with a friend at a safe distance
Passing by a runner for a couple of seconds
Visiting a library or a museum with proper ventilation, respecting distancing rules.
6 M
Other
cases
4
5
6
Index
patient
1M
B
The restaurant was in a fifth-floor building without windows.
Families A and B sat beside each other for 53 minutes and families A and C for 73 minutes.
A
C
17.5 M
8.3 M
6 M
Other
cases
4
5
6
Index
patient
1M
B
The restaurant was in a fifth-floor building without windows.
Families A and B sat beside each other for 53 minutes and families A and C for 73 minutes.
A
C
17.5 M
8.3 M
Index patient
Other cases
B
A
C
Index patient
Other cases
B
A
C
6 M
Other
cases
4
5
6
Index
patient
1M
B
The restaurant was in a fifth-floor building without windows.
Families A and B sat beside each other for 53 minutes and families A and C for 73 minutes.
A
C
17.5 M
8.3 M
4
Exhaust fan
Air conditioner
B
Strong airflow from the air conditioner could have propagated droplets from table C to table A, then to table B, and then back to table C.
A
C
4
Exhaust fan
Air conditioner
B
Strong airflow from the air conditioner could have propagated droplets from table C to table A, then to table B, and then back to table C.
A
C
B
A
C
Exhaust
fan
Air
conditioner
B
A
C
Exhaust
fan
Air
conditioner
4
Exhaust fan
Air conditioner
B
Strong airflow from the air conditioner could have propagated droplets from table C to table A, then to table B, and then back to table C.
A
C
The risk is higher indoors
We don’t yet know how much of the virus you can be exposed to before contracting COVID-19, but the amount of time we spend in a place that is contaminated increases that risk.
Just breathing exposes our bodies to virus in the air around us. In open-air spaces, the amount of virus in the air is usually lower. In indoor spaces with poor ventilation, the concentration can be much higher.
Sharing a closed space over a period of time
On Jan. 24, 10 people became ill after a person who had travelled from Wuhan ate lunch at a restaurant. Researchers said this outbreak could not be explained by normal droplet spread because the distances between people at other tables were all greater than 1 metre.
Air circulation vs. physical distance
Air circulation within a space may affect the way the virus spreads. Researchers found the airflow between an air conditioning system and an exhaust fan closely matched the seating pattern of the people who were infected.
MAIN OUTBREAKS
Several studies have shown that COVID-19 transmission can be worse in confined indoor spaces such as workplaces, worker dormitories, churches and shopping centres, or events occurring indoors such as parties, and dance classes.
MAIN OUTBREAKS
Several studies have shown that COVID-19 transmission can be worse in confined indoor spaces such as workplaces, worker dormitories, churches and shopping centres, or events occurring indoors such as parties, and dance classes.
MAIN OUTBREAKS
Several studies have shown that COVID-19 transmission can be worse in confined indoor spaces such as workplaces, worker dormitories, churches and shopping centres, or events occurring indoors such as parties, and dance classes.
MAIN OUTBREAKS
Several studies have shown that COVID-19 transmission can be worse in confined indoor spaces such as workplaces, worker dormitories, churches and shopping centres, or events occurring indoors such as parties, and dance classes.
MAIN OUTBREAKS
Several studies have shown that COVID-19 transmission can be worse in confined indoor spaces such as workplaces, worker dormitories, churches and shopping centres, or events occurring indoors such as parties, and dance classes.
Challenges in the workplace
Meat processing plants in the United States, Canada and Germany have seen several large outbreaks. These plants are designed to blow air with particles that might contaminate meat out of processing and packing areas, and workers often stand closely facing each other on processing lines.
After studying dozens of U.S. plants, the Center for Disease Control recommended positioning fans to avoid blowing air from one worker directly onto another.
In these plants, workers often lived together and shared transportation to work.
At a call center in Seoul, South Korea, 97 workers contracted COVID-19. Proximity between coworkers could have played an important role in the outbreak. Most of the infected were on the same floor on the same side of the building.
Factories
Call centers
Positive cases
<6 feet
Office buildings
Poor ventilation in close quarters
Ventilation systems pump fresh air into a building and can help remove pollutants from closed spaces.
Poor ventilation allows the virus to build up in indoor spaces, especially in close quarters such as correctional facilities and nursing or care homes.
Gyms
In South Korea, 112 people were infected during fitness dance classes in related outbreaks at local gyms. According to researchers, intense physical exercise in confined spaces can increase the risk of infection and should be minimized.
Prisons
Care homes
Homeless shelters
Theatres
How loud you talk
Researchers say the louder and longer you talk, the more particles you expel into the air. Singing, in particular, has led to several large coronavirus outbreaks, especially when a group is singing together in a closed space.
In the United States, when 61 members of a Chorale group met for a 2.5 hour practice, a single infected person sickened 52 others.
In Germany, 59 out of 78 members of the choir of Berlin’s Protestant cathedral became sick after a practice on March 9.
In the Frankfurt congregation Gospel Christians Baptists, a church service that included singing on May 10 led to 107 people falling ill.
Challenges in the workplace
Meat processing plants in the United States, Canada and Germany have seen several large outbreaks. These plants are designed to blow air with particles that might contaminate meat out of processing and packing areas, and workers often stand closely facing each other on processing lines.
After studying dozens of U.S. plants, the Center for Disease Control recommended positioning fans to avoid blowing air from one worker directly onto another.
In these plants, workers often lived together and shared transportation to work.
Positive cases
At a call center in Seoul, South Korea, 97 workers contracted COVID-19. Proximity between coworkers could have played an important role in the outbreak. Most of the infected were on the same floor on the same side of the building.
Poor ventilation in close quarters
Ventilation systems pump fresh air into a building and can help remove pollutants from closed spaces.
Poor ventilation allows the virus to build up in indoor spaces, especially in close quarters such as correctional facilities and nursing or care homes.
How loud you talk
Researchers say the louder and longer you talk, the more particles you expel into the air. Singing, in particular, has led to several large coronavirus outbreaks, especially when a group is singing together in a closed space.
In the United States, when 61 members of a Chorale group met for a 2.5 hour practice, a single infected person sickened 52 others.
In Germany, 59 out of 78 members of the choir of Berlin’s Protestant cathedral became sick after a practice on March 9.
In the Frankfurt congregation Gospel Christians Baptists, a church service that included singing on May 10 led to 107 people falling ill.
Challenges in the workplace
Meat processing plants in the United States, Canada and Germany have seen several large outbreaks. These plants are designed to blow air with particles that might contaminate meat out of processing and packing areas, and workers often stand closely facing each other on processing lines.
After studying dozens of U.S. plants, the Center for Disease Control recommended positioning fans to avoid blowing air from one worker directly onto another.
In these plants, workers often lived together and shared transportation to work.
Factories
<6 feet
Office buildings
<6 feet
Positive cases
At a call center in Seoul, South Korea, 97 workers contracted COVID-19. Proximity between coworkers could have played an important role in the outbreak. Most of the infected were on the same floor on the same side of the building.
Poor ventilation in close quarters
Ventilation systems pump fresh air into a building and can help remove pollutants from closed spaces.
Poor ventilation allows the virus to build up in indoor spaces, especially in close quarters such as correctional facilities and nursing or care homes.
Gyms
Care homes
Homeless shelters
Prisons
In South Korea, 112 people were infected during fitness dance classes in related outbreaks at local gyms. According to researchers, intense physical exercise in confined spaces can increase the risk of infection and should be minimized.
Theatres
How loud you talk
Researchers say the louder and longer you talk, the more particles you expel into the air. Singing, in particular, has led to several large coronavirus outbreaks, especially when a group is singing together in a closed space.
In the United States, when 61 members of a Chorale group met for a 2.5 hour practice, a single infected person sickened 52 others.
In Germany, 59 out of 78 members of the choir of Berlin’s Protestant cathedral became sick after a practice on March 9.
In the Frankfurt congregation Gospel Christians Baptists, a church service that included singing on May 10 led to 107 people falling ill.
PLANNING TO REOPEN
All of these factors are important to consider as governments plan to reopen crucial areas of the economy, such as public transport, education or manufacturing.
PLANNING TO REOPEN
All of these factors are important to consider as governments plan to reopen crucial areas of the economy, such as public transport, education or manufacturing.
PLANNING TO REOPEN
All of these factors are important to consider as governments plan to reopen crucial areas of the economy, such as public transport, education or manufacturing.
PLANNING TO REOPEN
All of these factors are important to consider as governments plan to reopen crucial areas of the economy, such as public transport, education or manufacturing.
PLANNING TO REOPEN
All of these factors are important to consider as governments plan to reopen crucial areas of the economy, such as public transport, education or manufacturing.
00
Aerosols
Screening
Smaller particles / Larger distances
Some transport hubs routinely screen passengers for fever. But that will not catch virus carriers who are asymptomatic or who may have taken fever-reducing medication.
Isolation booths
Terminals will have booths to isolate passengers who show symptoms of COVID-19.
Droplets land on surfaces
00
00
Screening
Some transport hubs routinely screen passengers for fever. But that will not catch virus carriers who are asymptomatic or who may have taken fever-reducing medication.
Isolation booths
Terminals will have booths to isolate passengers who show symptoms of COVID-19.
Screening
00
Isolation
booths
Contact tracing
00
Screening
Isolation booths
00
Screening
Some transport hubs routinely screen passengers for fever. But that will not catch virus carriers who are asymptomatic or who may have taken fever-reducing medication.
Isolation booths
Terminals will have booths to isolate passengers who show symptoms of COVID-19.
On board
Even though planes are designed to filter out germs from air in the cabin, sick passengers can still infect people seated around them through droplets. Air circulation patterns aboard standard commercial aircraft are vertical, rather than horizontal to minimize droplet spread.
Renovated air circulates
top to bottom
On board
Even though planes are designed to filter out germs from air in the cabin, sick passengers can still infect people seated around them through droplets. Air circulation patterns aboard standard commercial aircraft are vertical, rather than horizontal to minimize droplet spread.
Renovated air circulates
top to bottom
Air circulates
top to bottom
Air circulates
top to bottom
On board
Even though planes are designed to filter out germs from air in the cabin, sick passengers can still infect people seated around them through droplets. Air circulation patterns aboard standard commercial aircraft are vertical, rather than horizontal to minimize droplet spread.
Renovated air circulates
top to bottom
The risks of returning to normality
Crowded places such as office buildings and public transportation hubs, which are a common part of workday routines, make it difficult to maintain social distance.
We are also exposed to frequently touched surfaces in these areas. In a laboratory, U.S. scientists found the virus that causes COVID-19 on plastic and stainless steel was infectious for up to 72 hours. But so far, there have been no documented cases of people catching COVID-19 through contaminated surfaces.
At major transport hubs
At least 12 passengers contracted the virus on a five-hour flight between Singapore and China. In April, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants disclosed 100 flight attendants working for American Airlines had tested positive for the coronavirus. In the United States, 731 TSA employees working at 92 airports have tested positive for COVID-19.
When taking a plane
The risk of disease transmission within the confined space of an aircraft is affected by cabin ventilation and distance between passengers. Data modelling from an in-flight tuberculosis investigation revealed that doubling the ventilation rate within the cabin reduced infection risk by half. The risk also fell to almost zero for passengers seated 15 seats away from an infected person.
.
Crew members
7 rows of seats
Index patient
Previous SARS outbreak
In 2003, a three-hour flight from Hong Kong to Beijing led to an outbreak of SARS. Sixteen passengers were infected, and they in turn infected 300 others after the flight. The infected passengers sat as far as seven rows away from the person who transmitted the disease.
Probable
cases of SARS
5 rows
.
Crew members
7 rows of seats
Index patient
Previous SARS outbreak
In 2003, a three-hour flight from Hong Kong to Beijing led to an outbreak of SARS. Sixteen passengers were infected, and they in turn infected 300 others after the flight. The infected passengers sat as far as seven rows away from the person who transmitted the disease.
Probable
cases of SARS
5 rows
Previous SARS outbreak
In 2003, a three-hour flight from Hong Kong to Beijing led to an outbreak of SARS. Sixteen passengers were infected, and they in turn infected 300 others after the flight. The infected passengers sat as far as seven rows away from the person who transmitted the disease.
Crew members
.
7 rows of seats
Index patient
Probable
cases of SARS
5 rows
.
Crew members
7 rows of seats
Index patient
Previous SARS outbreak
In 2003, a three-hour flight from Hong Kong to Beijing led to an outbreak of SARS. Sixteen passengers were infected, and they in turn infected 300 others after the flight. The infected passengers sat as far as seven rows away from the person who transmitted the disease.
Probable
cases of SARS
5 rows
.
Crew members
7 rows of seats
Index patient
Previous SARS outbreak
In 2003, a three-hour flight from Hong Kong to Beijing led to an outbreak of SARS. Sixteen passengers were infected, and they in turn infected 300 others after the flight. The infected passengers sat as far as seven rows away from the person who transmitted the disease.
Probable
cases of SARS
5 rows
Going back to work
and school
Countries such as the United Kingdom are reviewing social distancing rules and balancing safety with the need to restart the economy. Companies are working with reduced or minimal staff in offices and encouraging remote work where possible.
Interaction between age groups:
Scientists are studying the interaction between different age groups to better understand how to contain the spread of the virus in different settings.
In schools and universities
The color pattern shows frequent interaction between students of the same age.
7-14
18-22
45-64
15-17
23-44
>65
0-6
More
0-6
7-14
15-17
18-22
23-44
45-64
Less
>65
In households
More frequent interaction between adults and the elderly.
younger
older
younger
older
Workplaces
Frequent interaction by working-aged adults.
younger
older
younger
older
Public spaces, community
Although elderly people do not interact with others as much in public spaces, at home they have contact with younger members of their household who do go out more frequently.
younger
older
younger
older
Back to markets,
theatres, stadiums
or restaurants
Some European governments are promoting “social bubbles” between households, allowing small groups of people to meet.
In England, the government allows adults who live alone to spend time in another home, including overnight, without having to remain 2 metres apart.
Going back to work
and school
Countries such as the United Kingdom are reviewing social distancing rules and balancing safety with the need to restart the economy. Companies are working with reduced or minimal staff in offices and encouraging remote work where possible.
Interaction between age groups:
Scientists are studying the interaction between different age groups to better understand how to contain the spread of the virus in different settings.
In schools and universities
The color pattern shows frequent interaction between students of the same age.
7-14
18-22
45-64
15-17
23-44
>65
0-6
More
0-6
7-14
15-17
18-22
23-44
45-64
Less
>65
In households
More frequent interaction between adults and the elderly.
Schools
To help children cope with the psychological impact of social distancing and isolation, Spanish children up to the age of 10 will not have to keep socially distant from each other or to wear masks.
younger
older
younger
older
Workplaces
Frequent interaction by working-aged adults.
younger
older
younger
older
Public spaces, community
Although elderly people do not interact with others as much in public spaces, at home they have contact with younger members of their household who do go out more frequently.
younger
older
younger
older
Back to markets,
theatres, stadiums
or restaurants
Pools
Some European governments are promoting “social bubbles” between households, allowing small groups of people to meet.
In England, the government allows adults who live alone to spend time in another home, including overnight, without having to remain 2 metres apart.
There is no evidence that the virus can spread through the water in pools or drinking water.
Going back to work
and school
Countries such as the United Kingdom are reviewing social distancing rules and balancing safety with the need to restart the economy. Companies are working with reduced or minimal staff in offices and encouraging remote work where possible.
To help children cope with the psychological impact of social distancing and isolation, Spanish children up to the age of 10 will not have to keep socially distant from each other or to wear masks.
Interaction between
age groups:
Scientists are studying the interaction between different age groups to better understand how to contain the spread of the virus in different settings.
In schools and universities
The color pattern shows frequent interaction between students of the same age.
How much a
person of this age ...
7-14
18-22
45-64
>65
15-17
23-44
0-6
More
0-6
7-14
... interacts
with people
of this age
15-17
18-22
23-44
45-64
>65
Less
In households
More frequent interaction between adults and the elderly.
younger
older
younger
older
Workplaces
Frequent interaction by working-aged adults.
younger
older
younger
older
Public spaces, community
Although elderly people do not interact with others as much in public spaces, at home they have contact with younger members of their household who do go out more frequently.
younger
older
younger
older
Back to markets,
theatres, stadiums or restaurants
Some European governments are promoting “social bubbles” between households, allowing small groups of people to meet.
In England, the government allows adults who live alone to spend time in another home, including overnight, without having to remain 2 metres apart.
Going back to work
and school
Countries such as the United Kingdom are reviewing social distancing rules and balancing safety with the need to restart the economy. Companies are working with reduced or minimal staff in offices and encouraging remote work where possible.
Interaction between age groups:
Scientists are studying the interaction between different age groups to better understand how to contain the spread of the virus in different settings.
In schools and universities
The color pattern shows frequent interaction between students of the same age.
7-14
18-22
45-64
15-17
23-44
>65
0-6
More
0-6
7-14
15-17
18-22
23-44
45-64
>65
Less
In households
More frequent interaction between adults and the elderly.
younger
older
younger
older
Workplaces
Frequent interaction by working-aged adults.
younger
older
younger
older
Public spaces, community
Although elderly people do not interact with others as much in public spaces, at home they have contact with younger members of their household who do go out more frequently.
younger
older
younger
older
Back to markets,
theatres, stadiums
or restaurants
Some European governments are promoting “social bubbles” between households, allowing small groups of people to meet.
In England, the government allows adults who live alone to spend time in another home, including overnight, without having to remain 2 metres apart.
Going back to work
and school
Countries such as the United Kingdom are reviewing social distancing rules and balancing safety with the need to restart the economy. Companies are working with reduced or minimal staff in offices and encouraging remote work where possible.
Interaction between age groups:
Scientists are studying the interaction between different age groups to better understand how to contain the spread of the virus in different settings.
In schools and universities
The color pattern shows frequent interaction between students of the same age.
How much a person of this age ...
7-14
18-22
45-64
15-17
23-44
>65
0-6
More
0-6
7-14
... interacts
with people
of this age
15-17
18-22
23-44
45-64
Less
>65
In households
More frequent interaction between adults and the elderly.
Schools
To help children cope with the psychological impact of social distancing and isolation, Spanish children up to the age of 10 will not have to keep socially distant from each other or to wear masks.
younger
older
younger
older
Workplaces
Frequent interaction by working-aged adults.
younger
older
younger
older
Back to markets,
theatres, stadiums or restaurants
Some European governments are promoting “social bubbles” between households, allowing small groups of people to meet.
In England, the government allows adults who live alone to spend time in another home, including overnight, without having to remain 2 metres apart.
Public spaces, community
Although elderly people do not interact with others as much in public spaces, at home they have contact with younger members of their household who do go out more frequently.
younger
older
younger
older
Pools
There is no evidence that the virus can spread through the water in pools or drinking water.
Beaches
1.5M
4M
1M
In Greece, public beaches opened on May 16 with a series of restrictions:
Minimum distance between the base of sun umbrellas must be 4 metres.
1 metre between the perimeter of the umbrellas.
1.5 metres between two sunbeds located on different umbrellas.
Back to normal
Even in countries that have already contained the domestic spread of COVID-19, imported cases from other countries are a looming challenge as travel restrictions are loosened.
Europe will gradually open its borders to non-EU travelers starting in July using three criteria: coronavirus infections in the country where the traveller is from must be no worse than average European levels, travelers must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, and the country must reciprocate by opening its borders to EU citizens.
1.5M
4M
1M
Beaches
In Greece, public beaches opened on May 16 with a series of restrictions:
Minimum distance between the base of sun umbrellas must be 4 metres.
1 metre between the perimeter of the umbrellas.
1.5 metres between two sunbeds located on different umbrellas.
Back to normal
Even in countries that have already contained the domestic spread of COVID-19, imported cases from other countries are a looming challenge as travel restrictions are loosened.
Europe will gradually open its borders to non-EU travelers starting in July using three criteria: coronavirus infections in the country where the traveller is from must be no worse than average European levels, travelers must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, and the country must reciprocate by opening its borders to EU citizens.
Beaches
In Greece, public beaches opened on May 16 with a series of restrictions:
1.5M
1.5 metrers between two sunbeds located on different umbrellas.
1M
1 metre between the perimeter of the umbrellas.
Back to normal
Even in countries that have already contained the domestic spread of COVID-19, imported cases from other countries are a looming challenge as travel restrictions are loosened.
Europe will gradually open its borders to non-EU travelers starting in July using three criteria: coronavirus infections in the country where the traveler is from must be no worse than average European levels, travelers must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, and the country must reciprocate by opening its borders to EU citizens.
Beaches
1.5M
4M
1M
In Greece, public beaches opened on May 16 with a series of restrictions:
Minimum distance between the base of sun umbrellas must be 4 metres.
1 metre between the perimeter of the umbrellas.
1.5 metres between two sunbeds located on different umbrellas.
Back to normal
Even in countries that have already contained the domestic spread of COVID-19, imported cases from other countries are a looming challenge as travel restrictions are loosened.
Europe will gradually open its borders to non-EU travelers starting in July using three criteria: coronavirus infections in the country where the traveller is from must be no worse than average European levels, travelers must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, and the country must reciprocate by opening its borders to EU citizens.
1.5M
4M
1M
Back to normal
Beaches
Even in countries that have already contained the domestic spread of COVID-19, imported cases from other countries are a looming challenge as travel restrictions are loosened.
Europe will gradually open its borders to non-EU travelers starting in July using three criteria: coronavirus infections in the country where the traveller is from must be no worse than average European levels, travelers must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, and the country must reciprocate by opening its borders to EU citizens.
In Greece, public beaches opened on May 16 with a series of restrictions:
Minimum distance between the base of sun umbrellas must be 4 metres.
1 metre between the perimeter of the umbrellas.
1.5 metres between two sunbeds located on different umbrellas.
Graphic by Samuel Granados
Edited by Jon McClure, Tiffany Wu and Simon Scarr
Additional work by Maryanne Murray
Sources: World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Europe CDC, Africa CDC, Nature, PNAS, The New England Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Infection Control, International Air Transport Association, Purdue University, Medrxiv, American Institute of Physics, Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, The Lancet, BioMed Central, U.S. Transportation Security Administration, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, REUTERS