Public health researcher Streeck doubts that public transport plays a significant role in the spread of COVID-19
In an interview with "Die Zeit", renowned virologist Hendrik Streeck shared his views on the safety of public transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Streeck, who follows the AHA guidelines for safety, including maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters, maintaining hygiene, and wearing a face mask, does not consider public transportation to be a major risk factor for the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
The virologist emphasises the importance of good hand hygiene in reducing the risk of self-infection through surfaces. He advises being careful about where one puts their hands to avoid potential transmission through fomites, which are objects or materials that are likely to carry infection.
Streeck also believes that transmission may occur through direct contact between mucosa to mucosa or throat to throat. However, he states that aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 does not always play a role in the spread of the virus, but only when the air is stagnant and there is no external air or fresh air.
Despite the lack of filters in public transportation like airplanes and trains, Streeck does not view it as a significant transmission risk factor. He does not share his email address in the article but encourages the public to follow the AHA guidelines to stay safe and reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
In conclusion, according to Streeck, public transportation is not identified as a significant transmission risk factor for SARS-CoV-2. However, he emphasises the importance of good hand hygiene, maintaining a safe distance, and wearing a face mask to minimise the risk of infection.
Other sciences, such as health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, could play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during travel. Regular handwashing, maintaining physical fitness, and proper respiratory hygiene could complement the AHA guidelines for safety, reducing the chances of self-infection and fomite transmission.
