SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Health Care Workers Despite the Use of Surgical Masks and Physical Distancing—the Role of Airborne Transmission
Lotem Goldberg, Yoel Levinsky, Nufar Marcus, Vered Hoffer, Michal Gafner, Shai Hadas, Sraya Kraus, Meirav Mor, Oded Scheuerman
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets. A key question in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is whether SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted via the airborne route as well. We report for the first time SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial infections despite using surgical masks and physical distancing. This report may provide possible evidence for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)DistancingTransmission (telecommunications)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PandemicCoronavirusAirborne transmission2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSocial distanceVirologyIntensive care medicineDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyOutbreakEngineeringElectrical engineeringInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsInfection Control in Healthcare