Risk of COVID-19 Transmission<br />Inside vs. Outside: Explained With stay-at-home orders loosening across<br />the country, it’s important to remember COVID-19<br />transmission can and will still happen. Here are a few things you should know<br />about transmission risks inside vs. outside<br />and how you can continue to stay safe. According to professor William Schaffner<br />of Vanderbilt University, enclosed spaces that<br />lack proper ventilation pose the most risk. William Schaffner,<br />via Huffpost In comparison, larger spaces <br />like supermarkets are safer, <br />but poor ventilation and air<br />conditioning can still pose a risk. “Heavy” respiratory droplets are able to float<br />in the air, meaning any sort of system that moves air<br />currents can potentially circulate the virus. Experts say the best precaution against<br />this is to open windows and make sure<br />your system’s filtration is in top shape. Maintaining a proper distance of 6 to 8 feet <br />is also important, as the closer you are to someone, <br />the more likely transmission is. The risk of transmission is the lowest<br />outdoors, as it offers more space for<br />separation and a more natural airflow. A study published in <br />‘The Journal of Infectious Diseases’ <br />also shows that ultraviolet rays <br />may help prevent transmission. The study found that 90 percent of coronavirus<br />particles were deactivated by UV rays from<br />sunlight within 10 minutes of exposure. Still, it’s important to avoid group<br />activities when outdoors and continue<br />practicing proper social distancing.
