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They add to a growing debate on how the disease is transmitted, with the scientists
themselves cautioning that the small quantities of virus they found at this distance are
not necessarily infectious.
The researchers, led by a team at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences in Beijing,
tested surface and air samples from an intensive care unit and a general Covid-19 ward
at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan. They housed a total of 24 patients between Feb 19
and March 2.
They found that the virus was most heavily concentrated on the floors of the
wards,"perhaps because of gravity and air flow causing most virus droplets to float to
the ground".
High levels were also found on frequently touched surfaces like computer mice,
trashcans, bed rails and door knobs.
"Furthermore, half of the samples from the soles of the ICU medical staff shoes tested
positive," the team wrote.
They found that virus-laden aerosols were mainly concentrated near and downstream
from patients at up to 4m - though smaller quantities were found upstream, up to eight
feet.
They also offered advice that bucks orthodox guidelines: "Our findings suggest that
home isolation of persons with suspected Covid-19 might not be a good control
strategy" given the levels of environmental contamination.
Aerosolisation of the coronavirus is a contentious area for scientists who study it,
because it is not clear how infectious the disease is in the tiny quantities found in
ultrafine mist.
The US health authorities have adopted a more cautious line and urged people to cover
their faces when out in public in case the virus can be transmitted through normal
breathing and speaking.