Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 20, 2020

Influence of Wind and Relative Humidity on the Social Distancing Effectiveness to Prevent COVID-19 Airborne Transmission: A Numerical Study

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  • Feng et al use a validated computational fluid particle dynamics model to simulate the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 laden droplets emitted by coughs. They find that under various wind and relative humidity conditions, microdroplets can be transported much farther than the recommended social distancing policy of 6 feet.  
  • The simulations also support previous studies that even wearing facial masks in an unrealistically loose condition when coughing can significantly reduce the suspension of small droplets in the air. 

Feng et al. (May 2020). Influence of Wind and Relative Humidity on the Social Distancing Effectiveness to Prevent COVID-19 Airborne Transmission: A Numerical Study. Journal of Aerosol Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2020.105585