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Simulation Shows Why You Shouldn't Run Behind Someone Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Simulation Shows Why You Shouldn't Run Behind Someone Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

It reveals just how far a cough or sneeze can travel.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

A 3D computer simulation has revealed why you shouldn't run behind someone amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Analysis from Ansys shows that running side-by-side with someone is fine, as is running with no one behind you.

However, if you are directly trailing someone during your walk or run, then you could cop a massive, invisible spray of someone's bacteria.

The simulation reveals that if even if you're several metres away you could still be infected with something if the person in front coughs or sneezes.

It's far better to stagger yourself so that you don't end up in the firing line.

A disclaimer from Ansys said: "These simulations were designed to replicate physical behaviours under specific circumstances. They should not be considered medical guidance and do not account for environmental variants, such as wind or humidity."

PA

Exercise is allowed for people in several countries, however, make sure that you keep your distance; just to be safe.

Another simulation similarly showed just how far someone's cough can be spread under the right circumstances.

The scientists from Aalto University in Finland have shared their 3D model showing how aerosol particles carrying the coronavirus can remain in the air for a significant amount of time.

Extremely small airborne aerosol particles that are emitted from the respiratory tract when coughing, sneezing or even talking were examined - these particles can carry things such as coronaviruses.

The researchers modelled a scenario where a person coughs in an aisle between shelves, like those found in grocery stores, creating a 'cloud'.

They took into consideration things such as ventilation and discovered that this cloud spreads outside the immediate vicinity of the coughing person and dilutes in the process - but this can take up to several minutes.

Aalto University Assistant Professor Ville Vuorinen explained: "Someone infected by the coronavirus, can cough and walk away, but then leave behind extremely small aerosol particles carrying the coronavirus. These particles could then end up in the respiratory tract of others in the vicinity."

Jussi Sane, Chief Specialist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, added: "The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends that you stay at home if you are unwell and that you maintain physical distance with everyone.

"The instructions also include coughing into your sleeve or a tissue and taking care of good hand hygiene. These results are an important part of the whole, and they should be compared with the data from real-life epidemic studies."

Avoiding busy indoor areas reduces the risk of droplet infection while in close proximity to others, which, according to current information, is the main cause of coronavirus infection.

Featured Image Credit: PA

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