Supercomputer shows how air humidity hinders the spread of the virus

With each passing day, and with more results from many ongoing investigations, researchers have been able to better understand the virus that causes COVID-19. Thus, all this knowledge enhances new forms of combat, individual protection and demystifies some hypothetical scenarios of contagions imagined early in this pandemic. Technology has been a strong ally of science, supercomputers are getting results in months that once took years.

There is a new study, which used a supercomputer from Japan and shows that humidity affects the spread of the new coronavirus by aerosol.

Moisture in the air can be a barrier to the movement of the virus through the air

In the beginning of the pandemic, summer was seen as a time when it could bring ideal conditions to stop the spread of the virus through aerosol. However, the figures showed that COVID-19 did not slow down. Given the rampant results after the holidays, the dry, hot air probably helped keep the virus active longer in the aerosol.

According to the discovery of the responsibility of Riken and Kobe University, ventilated and humid areas can be an impediment to spread SARS-CoV-2 through the air. Research has found that the use of humidifiers can help limit infections during times when window ventilation is not possible. The study was released on Tuesday.

As can be read, the researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to model the emission and flow of virus-like particles from infected people in a variety of indoor environments. Air humidity of less than 30% resulted in more than double the amount of aerosolized particles. This, compared to levels of 60% or more, showed the simulations.

COVID-19: Study shows that facial visors need the mask

The study also indicated that transparent face shields are not as effective as masks in preventing the spread of aerosols. Other findings have shown that in a dining environment people side by side are more at risk than if they are face to face. In addition, the number of singers in choirs should be limited and spaced.

There has been a growing consensus among health experts that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread through the air. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised their guidance this month to say that the pathogen can remain in the air for hours.

As mentioned, the Riken research team led by Makoto Tsubokura has already used the Fugaku supercomputer. This machine was used to model contagion conditions in trains, workspaces and classrooms.

Notably, simulations have shown that opening windows on passenger trains can increase ventilation two to three times, reducing the concentration of environmental microbes.

People's blind fear or unfounded confidence against COVID-19 infection is simply because it is invisible.

Referiu disse Tsubokura.

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