Is Airborne transmission an important and mitigable aspect of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

YES - here's a summarizing the evidence from @kprather88's presentation.

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https://events.ucalgary.ca/obrien/#!view/event/event_id/306929

As Dr. Conly reminded us on Friday, when considering Airborne Transmission, "it's very important to take into consideration the very very complex environment".... "direction of airflow, the number of air changes, temperature, relative humidity... its veeery very complex"

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This is actually NOT "complex" for Aerosol scientists, mechanical engineers, building scientists, and other experts in fluid mechanics. Due to the Pandemic, these experts have diverted their brainpower to this problem. See summary of studies below.

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Groves says a presymptomatic person can cause a superspreader. Wilson says people generate more aerosols then medical procedures
Lednicky says the virus is viable in air.
Chen says there's a higher chance of inhaling the virus than a droplet hitting you in the face.
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Chen used a model, reliant on the "basic science" of fluid mechanics, to analyze the probability of Aerosol transmission. Other indoor superspreader investigations modeled air flow and used video recordings to rule out close contact. They even infected some ferrets via air.

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Here's a summary of the "why we can't call it Airborne" excuses raised by the WHO in July 2020, and just some of the avalanche of studies that have been published since.

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The nosocomial infections is worth digging into further.

Many ID docs are now willing to admit that "Situational Airborne" is possible and that the virus is "inhaled".

But they will not budge on the IPAC guidelines to use Droplet Precautions (ie. surgical masks).

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They say, "But surgical masks have worked in MY hospital!"

Dr. Conly himself asserts that... but it is misleading.. see detailed thread here:

https://twitter.com/CPita3/status/1381001461002350599?s=19

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Hospitals have excellent ventilation, many new ones have 12 Air Changes per Hour! That's like being outside!

Just because surgical masks are working in your prestine conditions, doesn't mean they will work in a poorly ventilated LTC or school or factory!

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Just use logic... ignore the particle size for a second.

If you agree the virus is inhaled, and you can breath it into your nostrils and/or mouth... WHY would it not be able to make its way into your surgical #masknostrils??

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Now let's look at the studies... Klompas (an ID convert), has done some phenomenal work in this area. Get that man a .
Goldberg et al also have a very convincing study.
Oksanen and Shields both reveal those in ICU (w/ respirator) have a LOWER chance of infection!!

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And we have seen a very similar pattern in Quebec! Those with access to respirators and/or better ventilation systems are better off.

12/ https://twitter.com/lisa_iannattone/status/1381042780521254915?s=19

We don't need an RCT to know respirators are the precautionary/smart choice!

Occupational Hygienists study this! Other industries use them regularly to protect against inhaled hazardous aerosols! Think mining, construction, pesticides, etc.

@brosseau_lisa @kate_cole_

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And best of all..

WE HAVE AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF RESPIRATORS IN CANADA NOW!!

There is literally no excuse.

Get respirators to frontline workers, who are working indoors with other people.. and do it TOMORROW.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mapcgmkIzq4lva2xEIfNp7hgUlCyrpRWmUsF4dB62Z8/edit?usp=drivesdk

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For those who are still unconvinced, see attached for the full list of references used by @kprather88.

Read the papers. If you have a rebuttal, let's engage on the merits.

WHY isn't it prudent to give all frontline workers respirators? The answer isn't acne.. what is it??

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