News

Researchers are highlighting the need for avoiding any gatherings to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading during May Day celebrations

Published: 30.4.2020

Aerosol particles carrying the virus can remain in the air longer than was originally thought. Therefore, it is important to avoid get-togethers and minimize the duration of possible live encounters while maximizing the distance

A joint project carried out by Aalto University, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, VTT and the University of Helsinki has studied the transmission and spread of the coronavirus in the air using 3D flow simulations performed with a supercomputer from CSC - Science Information Technology Center Ltd.

Preliminary results published at the beginning of April indicate that aerosol particles carrying the virus can remain in the air at the breathing height longer than was originally thought, so it is important to avoid busy public indoor spaces.

Ville Vuorinen, the assistant professor and coordinator of the joint project, says that the new flow physics models send a clear message to any citizens preparing for the celebration of May Day.

‘Avoid physical gatherings. Minimize the duration of live encounters and maximize physical distance.’

We wish you all a safe and happy May Day!

Enquiries:

Assistant Professor Ville Vuorinen
Aalto University
tel. +358 (0)50 361 1471
[email protected]

Researchers modelling the spread of the coronavirus emphasise the importance of avoiding busy indoor spaces

A joint project carried out by four Finnish research organisations has studied the transport and spread of coronavirus through the air. Preliminary results indicate that aerosol particles carrying the virus can remain in the air longer than was originally thought, so it is important to avoid busy public indoor spaces. This also reduces the risk of droplet infection, which remains the main path of transmission for coronavirus.