What are the clinical implications of this research? According to the researchers, this review suggests very few infectivities of the air around COVID-19 patients. Although RNA was identified, no viable virus was confirmed. Dr. Gabriel Birgand, University Hospital Centre Nantes, France said: “This is confirming that current personal protective equipment, including the use of surgical facemasks, is efficient in preventing patient to professional transmission in most cases, except aerosol-generating procedures where FFP2 is required”.
The authors said, “the high viral loads found in toilet/bathrooms, staff and public hallways means these areas require strong compliance with cleaning measures and personal protective equipment”. Whew! Now that we all agree that face masks are important, this should serve to reinforce that! Stay the course, stay strong, stay well, stay safe, mask up, and stay tuned!