Grocery Shopping And Eating Out More Dangerous Than Flying, Researchers Find

Grocery shopping or eating out is more dangerous than flying by air. The risk of getting infected on board a plane is lower than grocery shopping, states a study. The study aims to show the importance of layered strategies that could mitigate the risk of infection.

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Transmission could be reduced by taking measures

Scientists at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health published a study named ¡®Aviation Public Health Initiative¡¯ this week, in which they claimed that the rate of transmission of Covid-19 in passengers could drastically be reduced if they are encouraged to follow preventive measures. The study was funded by airlines, airline manufacturers and airports but the Harvard researchers stated that it did not influence their findings.

AP

While flying, if the passengers wear face mask, the aircraft's air conditioning and filtration systems are functioning well, cabin surfaces are well disinfected and appropriate ventilation is maintained from gate to gate at the airport, then it is a fairly low-risk endeavour compared to other activities like grocery shopping and eating out.

If followed, the approach ¡°reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission onboard aircraft below that of other routine activities during the pandemic, such as grocery shopping or eating out,¡± the study said.

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Measures such as consistent ventilation, disinfection of surfaces, wearing of face masks, and ample social distancing while boarding and deboarding the plane can mitigate transmission risks on flights, it said. The study does not vouch for one single strategy but proposed a combination of strategies.

Awareness play a crucial role

Education and awareness also play a significant role in controlling the spread of coronavirus, the study added. ¡°Airlines and airports are campaigning to inform the public about actions they can take to reduce disease transmission on their journey. This includes public health safety information while booking, at check-in, boarding, and on the aircraft. Cabin crew receive training to identify and isolate potentially infected individuals should a case appear on board an aircraft,¡± it said.

AFP

The level of ventilation provided aboard aircraft will substantially reduce the opportunity for person-to-person transmission of infectious particles, when coupled with consistent compliance with mask-wearing policies. As opposed to eating out or shopping for grocery, where there are more opportunities for person-to-person contact." the study stated.

This study has come as global coronavirus disease cases have gone over the 45 million mark. According to the website world-o-meter, as many as 11,87,029 deaths due to Covid-19 have been reported worldwide. In India, the death toll stands at 1,21,090 while the infection tally soared to 80,88,851 on Friday, according to the health ministry.