Coronavirus loses 90% of its ability to infect us within 20 minutes of being in the air and most of the loss takes place within the first five minutes, suggests the worlds first simulations of the virus’ survival in exhaled air.

The findings from the study again emphasize the significance of short-range transmission of COVID-19, and the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing as the most effective ways to prevent infection, reported The Guardian. As the time in the air increases, there is loss of infectivity in the virus, Bristols Aerosol Research Centre (University of Bristol) said in a statement.

The study suggested that as the virus particles leave the lungs, they start to dehydrate and lose water as they come in contact with air. The loss of moisture alters their ability to infect human cells… (The New Indian Express, January 12, 2022)