SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Aerosol Transmission of SARS-Cov-2
IRAS ID
282841
Contact name
Christopher O'Callaghan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
The transmission of SARS-COV-2 is thought to occur predominantly via close contact with an infected individual, close contact with contaminated surfaces and by large droplets generated when someone shouts, coughs or sneezes. Droplets are typically large so spread only small distance (1-2m) but can land on surfaces leading transmission via fomites. Aerosol transmission occurs throughout the fine mist (< 5um) which is produced while breathing passively and speaking, and spreads further than droplets.
Evidence for aerosol spread of other respiratory viruses has been shown however evidence for SARS-COV-2 is still unclear. This research aims to determine if SARS-COV-2 can be spread by aerosol generation and to identify clinical and home environments, along with clinical procedures which can lead to viral spread by aerosol. We aim to identify time-windows when an individual is infectious. We also aim to determine which clinical procedures can be considered higher risk for generating aerosol spread to health care workers.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0046
Date of REC Opinion
5 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion