Moscow. June 23rd. INTERFAX.RU – Scientists at the University of Nicosia (Cyprus) using a computer model have established that plant pollen can contribute to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, according to a publication in the scientific journal Physics of Fluids.
Willow was chosen as the model tree. Scientists have created a complete 3D model of a willow tree that emits 10 thousand pollen particles in a weak wind (about 4 km / h), and also studied how the air flow interacts with a small (11 people) and relatively large (up to 100 people) crowds of people …
“In the event of a high concentration of pollen grains in the air or during flowering in spring, a social distance of 2 m is not a safety measure for people outdoors. Therefore, public authorities should review the principles of social distancing,” the publication says.
The study assumes that an airborne particle containing coronavirus can adhere to a pollen grain.
It is noted that earlier the RNA of viruses was already detected on pollen, while, for example, in the United States during the flowering period in a number of states, a higher level of coronavirus infection was observed during the spring season (March-May 2020).
The authors also point out that a link was previously established between flowering plants and the spread of influenza. It turned out that a larger crowd “captures” the air flow that begins to circulate within it.
“If the virus infects some people, the high concentration of dynamic airborne pollen grains in the air surrounding people can increase the risk of airborne transmission of the virus,” the article says.
