A group of experts from the State Health Committee of China has warned on Tuesday that people can become infected with the coronavirus COVID-19, which causes a new type of fatal pneumonia, from a distance of up to two meters.
“Everyone should wear protective masks and minimize the number of close physical contacts,” said Li Xingwang, one of those experts.
“By saying ‘close’ we mean a distance between one and two meters: the infection can occur from that distance,” said the official.
Li Xingwang has also added that the COVID-19 is transmitted primarily by air, but it is also possible to become infected if the virus enters through the conjunctiva of the eyes.
“You can also get the new type of pneumonia by contact: if the virus is in the skin of your hands and you rub your eyes without realizing it, you can become infected with this virus,” says the People’s Daily official.
Therefore, the expert has advised to use the mask and wash your hands well: this “will reduce the risk of spreading the virus and becoming infected with it.”