How to stay safe with a new variant of the rapidly spreading coronavirus at large

A rapidly spreading variant of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 has been found in at least 20 states, and people are asking: How can I protect myself now?

We’ve seen what the new variant, known as B.1.1.7, can do by spreading rapidly across south-east England in December, causing the number of cases to spike and triggering measures of more stringent locking.

The new variant has been estimated to be 50% more easily transmitted than the common variants, although it appears to affect people’s health in the same way. It is believed that the increased transmissibility results from a change in the spike protein of the virus which can allow the virus to enter cells more easily. These and other studies on the new variant were published ahead of the peer review in order to quickly share their findings.

In addition, there is evidence that patients infected with the new variant B.1.1.7 may have a higher viral load. This means that they can expel more particles containing viruses when they breathe, speak or sneeze.

As professors who study fluid dynamics and aerosols, we study how airborne particles carrying viruses spread. There is still a lot that scientists and doctors don’t know about the coronavirus and its mutations, but there are clear strategies people can use to protect themselves.

Airborne particles remain the biggest problem

It is believed that the SARS-CoV-2 variants are mainly spread in the air rather than on surfaces.

When a person with coronavirus in their airways coughs, talks, sings, or even just breathes, infectious respiratory droplets can be expelled into the air. These droplets are tiny, mostly in the range of 1 to 100 micrometers. For comparison, a human hair is about 70 microns in diameter.

The larger droplets quickly fall to the ground, rarely moving more than 6 feet from the source. The biggest problem with disease transmission is in the smallest droplets – those less than 10 microns in diameter – which can stay airborne as aerosols for hours at a time.

Because people may have more virus in their body and the virus is more infectious, everyone should take extra precautions and precautions. Wearing face masks and social distancing are essential.

Spaces and activities that were previously considered “safe”, such as some indoor work environments, may pose a high risk of infection as the variant spreads.

The concentration of aerosol particles is generally highest right next to the individual emitting the particles and decreases with distance from the source. However, in indoor environments, aerosol concentration levels can quickly build up, as cigarette smoke builds up in enclosed spaces. This is particularly problematic in poorly ventilated spaces.

With the new variant, aerosol concentration levels that previously did not pose a risk could now lead to infection.

What can you do to stay safe?

1) Pay attention to the type of face mask you are using and how it fits.

Most of the commercially available face coverings are not 100% effective in preventing the emission of droplets. As the new variant spreads more easily and is likely infectious at lower concentrations, it is important to select coatings with the most effective materials to stop the spread of droplets.

When available, N95 and surgical masks are always the best performing. Otherwise, face coverings that use multiple layers of material are preferable. Ideally, the material should be a tight weave. One example is high-thread count cotton sheets. A good fit is also crucial, as the spaces around the nose and mouth can reduce efficiency by 50%.

2) Follow social distancing guidelines.

While current social distancing guidelines aren’t perfect – six feet isn’t always enough – they offer a useful starting point. Since aerosol concentrations and infectivity are highest in the space immediately surrounding anyone infected with the virus, increasing physical distance may help reduce risk. Remember that people are contagious before they start showing symptoms, and many never show symptoms, so don’t expect to see signs of illness.

3) Think carefully about the surroundings when entering a closed area, both the ventilation and the way people interact.

Limiting the size of gatherings helps reduce the potential for exposure. Controlling indoor environments by other means can also be a very effective strategy to reduce risk. This includes increasing ventilation rates to bring in fresh air and filtering existing air to dilute aerosol concentrations.

On a personal level, it helps to pay attention to the types of interactions that take place. For example, many people screaming can create a higher risk than a single person speaking. Either way, it’s important to minimize the time spent indoors with others.

The CDC has warned that B.1.1.7 could become the dominant variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States by March. Other rapidly spreading variants have also been found in Brazil and South Africa. Increased vigilance and compliance with health guidelines must continue to be a top priority.

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This story was updated on January 18 with the latest CDC count and the map showing the B.1.1.7 cases now found in 20 states.