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Originally Posted by Pierre
The Virus is spread in the form of droplets from a host sneezing or coughing in close proximity to others, hence the "distancing" advice.
It is not airborne.
There is no evidence or official reports (Janet off facebook isn't an official report) that it can be caught by touching anything. but good hygene practices that have been advised from the outset should cover that off anyway.
---------- Post added at 10:32 ---------- Previous post was at 10:29 ----------
Work hasn't ended. people still need to go to work.
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IF it was just a matter of coughing or sneezing then people could go out, as long as those with coughs or sneezes didn't. That
isn't that case.
Link to various government scientific reports
Routes of Transmission of the Influenza Virus
p 13
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Both inhalable and respirable particles can contribute to
all three transmission modes. Large droplets with an aerodynamic diameter above 100μm are not inhalable, will
settle on surfaces within a few seconds of being expelled and can thus only contribute to contact transmission.
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Quote:
Contact The transfer of an infectious agent from one being to another by a coming
together or touch. Direct Contact: transmission via direct physical contact; for
example a kiss. Indirect Contact: transmission via an intermediate object such
as a fomite
...
Fomite An inanimate object or substance capable of carrying infectious organisms
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Just because a pet cannot carry a virus as such, it can still act a contact type source of transmission. Just a human cannot sustain dog fleas, they can act as an intermediary to other humans or dogs.
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1. There is sound evidence supporting influenza virus survival on fomites and hands for
periods consistent with the possibility of onward transmission.
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Impact of Mass Gatherings on an Influenza Pandemic
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In conclusion there is limited data indicating that mass gatherings are associated with influenza transmission and this theme is continued with the inclusion of new evidence for the update. Certain unique events such as the Hajj, specialised settings including civilian and military ships- a new theme for this update, indoor venues and crowded outdoor venues provide the primary evidence base to suggest mass gatherings can be associated with Influenza outbreaks. Some evidence suggests that restricting mass gatherings together with other social distancing measures may help to reduce transmission. However, the evidence is still not strong enough to warrant advocating legislated restrictions. Therefore, in a pandemic situation a cautious policy of voluntary avoidance of mass gatherings would is still the most prudent message. Operational considerations including practical implications of policy directed at restricting mass gathering events should be carefully considered.
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