New normal: Making public spaces safe after COVID-19 lockdown

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