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Coronavirus crisis: Simulation by Finland researchers shows how quickly and far a cough can spread COVID-19

Bryce LuffThe West Australian
VideoResearchers modelling the spread of the coronavirus emphasise the importance of avoiding busy indoor spaces

A frightening simulation showing how quickly coronavirus can spread has been released by researchers in Finland.

The 3D visualisation demonstrates both how far and quickly the disease can be dispersed through the air of a typical grocery store with a single cough.

Aalto University, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Helsinki considered a scenario where a person coughs in an aisle between shelves.

WATCH THE SIMULATION IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

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“The researchers obtained the same preliminary result: the aerosol cloud spreads outside the immediate vicinity of the coughing person and dilutes in the process,” a preliminary report read.

However this can take several minutes, according to Aalto University assistant professor Ville Vuorinen, meaning other customers are exposed to the deadly virus.

“Someone infected by the coronavirus can cough and walk away, but then leave behind extremely small aerosol particles carrying the coronavirus,” Professor Vuorinen said.

A simulation showing how quickly coronavirus can spread through a supermarket has been released by European researchers.
Camera IconA simulation showing how quickly coronavirus can spread through a supermarket has been released by European researchers. Credit: Aalton University

Researchers said “aerosol particles carrying the virus can remain in the air longer than was originally thought, so it is important to avoid busy public indoor spaces”.

They added that self isolating reduces the risk of droplet infection, “which remains the main path of transmission for coronavirus”.

Supermarkets in Australia have introduced a range of measures to keep customers clear, including limiting the number of people in-store at once, pushing for the use of tap-and-go payments over cash, and opening up shopping hours dedicated for frontline workers and the elderly.

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia sit at 6152, including 54 deaths.

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