1/Infectious #SARSCoV2 in the air of a car 2 hrs after unmasked driver w/mild #COVID exited vehicle. Researchers found the virus in tiny air samples (0.25-0.5 um) and showed the virus retained ability to infect cells in a lab. H/T @UniversalMaski2 1/8
https://rb.gy/odlbap 

2/In July study found the virus to be stable in air. Mechanically generated aerosols/airborne #SARSCoV2 retained ability to infect cells for at least 16 hrs. Hardier in aerosols than SARS-1 or MERS. Helps explain why #airborne route is a major culprit: https://rb.gy/jxh0oh  2/8

3/ #Airborne transmission has been observed in a restaurant from 20 ft away. How do they know? Video footage showed patient had no direct contact w/those who were infected far away. The restaurant lacked windows & ventilation system: https://rb.gy/5lh973  3/8

4/Studies have pointed to even longer distances. This one suggests transmission through air ducts of an older building. 10 infections uncovered, all living on different floors but along two vertical lines with openings through their bathrooms: https://rb.gy/wzj4sw  4/8

5/Aerosols also important because COVID-19 might be more severe when virus on aerosols is inhaled. In hamsters, infection through inhaling #Airborne virus lead to more severe disease than infection from fomites (contact w/ contaminated objects.) https://rb.gy/qwnrdz  5/8

6/In humans, larger aerosols deposit in upper throat, nose, & tracheobronchial region of the lung. Medium-sized aerosols mostly deposit in small airways further down. The really small aerosols <1 μm can penetrate all the way to the alveoli - the basic units for gas exchange. 6/8

7/In contrast to other mode of transmission where virus hits nasal cavity and finds its way into lungs, aerosols can directly attacks alveolar cells, causing lung flooding, and respiratory failure - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): https://rb.gy/jj9azq  7/8

8/Aerosol experts like @jljcolorado @kprather88 @linseymarr @ShellyMBoulder @Don_Milton @j_g_allen & others challenged dogma early on and sounded alarm that the coronavirus is #airborne. They are among the unsung heroes of this pandemic. 8/8 https://www.covidisairborne.org/