Omicron aerosols in the stairwell?
Expert clarifies and has important tip
Created: 01/21/2022 05:04
By: Verena Moeckl
The highly contagious omicron variant of the corona virus is rolling over Germany.
How high is the risk of infection in the stairwells of apartment buildings?
An expert explains.
Munich – The corona virus is known to be transmitted via aerosols – i.e. when speaking, singing, laughing and especially when sneezing and coughing.
The risk of infection is particularly high with the omicron mutation.
The virus variant is spreading rapidly throughout Germany.
The WHO estimates that more than half of the population in Europe could become infected with omicron in the next six to eight weeks.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, most infections take place in private households.
This is where the greatest danger comes from.
Does this also apply to the stairwells of apartment buildings?
An expert provides answers.
Corona virus variant Omicron: Aerosols in the stairwell of apartment buildings are so contagious
The epidemiologist Timo Ulrichs explains in an interview with
ntv
that aerosols in the stairwell can last "sometimes quite a long time".
However, the scientist cannot provide precise information.
It's minutes or hours, depending on how small the aerosols are.
"The smaller they are, the longer they can hover in the air," says Ulrichs.
But he immediately gives the all-clear.
Because over time, the air particles would settle on surfaces such as banisters or walls.
"And then it's not so tragic anymore."
Risk of omicron infection in the stairwell?
Expert explains about aerosols
According to the expert, there is still a certain risk of becoming infected.
The scientist has a tip for reducing the risk of infection.
You have to ensure air exchange.
So, if possible, ventilate properly.
This magic formula has long been known in the fight against the corona virus.
But to ensure that the oxygen in the interior is optimally exchanged, there are a few things to consider when ventilating.
So it plays a role how often and how long you open the window.
Proper ventilation - epidemiologist gives tip: "Then it goes very quickly"
The epidemiologist Ulrichs recommends exploiting the so-called chimney effect.
That means opening the window on the top floor and the front door at the same time.
Then, according to Ulrichs, the air is exchanged very quickly.
"Then it goes very quickly and then the aerosols are all gone."
However, ventilation is not possible in every stairwell.
Here you can find out whether you should rather wear a mask in the stairwell to protect against omicrons.
All news about the corona virus can be found here.
You can find the latest information about the corona pandemic in Bavaria in our Corona ticker.
