April 20, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 RNA Found on Particulate Matter of Bergamo in Northern Italy: First Preliminary Evidence

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

• Setti et al share some preliminary evidence that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be present on outdoor particulate matter (PM), indicating that the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 may be enhanced in conditions of atmospheric stability and high concentrations of PM. Further studies to assess the vitality and virulence of SARS-CoV-2 when adsorbed on PM are needed and correlations between viral presence on PM and COVID-19 transmissibility cannot be made at this time. 

Setti et al. (Apr 18, 2020). SARS-CoV-2 RNA Found on Particulate Matter of Bergamo in Northern Italy: First Preliminary Evidence. Pre-print downloaded Apr 20 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.15.20065995