“Airborne transmission” has been increasingly reported—could opening windows allow viruses to “drift” into your home?

Recently, two cases of COVID-19 infection via aerosol transmission reported in China have sparked widespread discussion among netizens. ◆ On April 10, the Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that a confirmed case had entered an underground parking lot in a private car (with windows open and no mask). During the same time period, two secondary cases were also present in the parking lot without masks, raising the possibility of aerosol transmission leading to infection. ◆ On April 12, the Tai’erzhuang District of Zaozhuang City issued an urgent reminder: a local resident who went outdoors to gather wild vegetables without a mask was infected by an asymptomatic carrier who was also there at the same time. Epidemiological investigations concluded that this was likely due to aerosol transmission. How does aerosol transmit the novel coronavirus? Can viruses “drift” into your home through open windows? Drawing on available information, Life Times interviewed experts to provide answers. Interviewed Experts: Professor Yang Zhanqiu, Institute of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University Professor Liu Youning, Department of Respiratory Medicine, PLA General Hospital What is aerosol transmission? On March 15, the National Health Commission’s “Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 9)” clearly outlined three primary modes of transmission for the virus: ① Direct transmission: primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact; ② Aerosol transmission: typically occurs in relatively enclosed, confined environments; ③ Contact transmission: infection results from touching objects contaminated with the virus. Compared with other transmission routes, aerosol transmission is more insidious. Aerosols refer to particulate matter suspended in the air. Microscopic particles are ubiquitous, forming a vast “aerosol world.” Viruses can be carried within aerosol particles containing droplet nuclei, remaining airborne for extended periods, though at lower concentrations than larger droplets. Breathing, coughing, speaking, spitting, vomiting, and even urinating or defecating (especially when flushed with water) can all generate aerosols. The novel coronavirus may attach itself to dust, droplets, or dehydrated droplet nuclei, traveling long distances via aerosols and causing infections far from the original source. Six Common Questions About Aerosols The stealthy nature of aerosol transmission has caused concern among some people, prompting various questions. 01 Is aerosol transmission the same as droplet transmission? Aerosol transmission and droplet transmission are distinct. Droplets are liquid particles expelled from the mouth during speech or sneezing. They typically travel only a few meters and usually occur at close range. In contrast, aerosols can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, drifting with wind currents and spreading over greater distances. However, compared with droplet transmission, aerosol transmission involves lower viral loads and reduced transmissibility. 02 What conditions must be met for aerosol transmission? High viral shedding: For example, in hospital emergency rooms or intensive care units, severely ill patients may cough up large amounts of virus. Enclosed, confined spaces: In poorly ventilated areas such as elevator cabins, restrooms, cinemas, or airplanes—where air circulation is limited—virus-laden aerosols can linger longer, increasing the risk of infection for those nearby. 03 Should we worry about aerosol transmission outdoors? Even outdoors, if there is no wind, the viral load in aerosols could reach infectious levels. Additionally, some individuals may be more susceptible to infection, or variants like Omicron are highly contagious, meaning even trace amounts of virus can lead to infection. Therefore, it remains important to wear masks properly and follow preventive measures when outside. 04 Can viruses drift into homes through windows? Aerosol transmission depends on concentration. ◆ Outdoors, strong air currents quickly dilute high-concentration aerosols exhaled by infected individuals, preventing them from reaching infectious levels. ◆ In poorly ventilated indoor spaces, however, high-concentration aerosols may persist for extended periods. Even after an infected person leaves, subsequent occupants could still become infected. Thus, maintaining open windows and ensuring adequate air circulation can significantly reduce the risk of aerosol transmission, provided building spacing is normal and windows face outward. Conversely, if indoor aerosols contain high concentrations of viral particles, they will be rapidly diluted once blown outside by open windows, making cross-building transmission unlikely. 05 Do aerosols settle on skin or clothing? Only a very small fraction of viruses suspended in aerosols can enter the body through hand contact with skin or clothing. At such low levels, the likelihood of triggering illness is minimal. 06 Can aerosols spread through sewage systems? Virus-laden aerosols may travel through closed-loop systems such as sewer networks or central air-conditioning systems. Particularly in all-air central HVAC systems, where air circulates between rooms, cross-contamination is more likely. How Can We Keep Aerosols Out? Although aerosol transmission complicates prevention efforts, it is not impossible to guard against. Here are some practical steps to help prevent infection: Wear Masks Properly In indoor settings—especially enclosed spaces like elevators and restrooms—always wear masks correctly and consistently. When outdoors—in open-air venues such as plazas, theaters, parks, or fields—avoid removing your mask unnecessarily. Avoid Touching Mouth, Nose, and Eyes When handling public surfaces like elevator buttons, carry tissues, gloves, or other protective items. After direct contact, promptly wash or disinfect your hands. Do Not Spit随意 The novel coronavirus can survive in sputum for up to 39 days. If you need to spit, wrap the sputum in tissue and dispose of it properly. This reduces airborne pathogen transmission and prevents splashing onto other parts of the body, which could lead to cross-infection. Ventilate Daily Good ventilation is key to preventing COVID‑19. Whether or not you use air conditioning, ensure daily ventilation by opening doors or windows to promote thorough air exchange. If natural ventilation is insufficient, consider using exhaust fans to boost airflow. Seal Floor Drains Tightly To protect against aerosol-borne viruses, pay special attention to floor drains and toilet bowls. In addition to regular disinfection, cover unused drain openings with lids, and always close the toilet lid before flushing. For kitchen sinks, bathroom basins, and other drainage points—especially where flexible hoses connect to floor drains—if seals are inadequate, reinforce them with adhesive tape. ▲

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2022-04

The Tengtian Expressway Intelligent Multifunctional System Platform features functions such as page separation, labeling, adsorption, laser marking, visual inspection, defect removal, and automatic material collection.

In 2020, affected by the pandemic, the manufacturing sector experienced a relatively modest increase in operating revenue compared to 2019, with revenues reaching approximately RMB 22 trillion. By 2021, this figure had risen slightly to about RMB 22.2 trillion. As the pandemic becomes more normalized, supported by government policies encouraging resumption of production and continued industry growth, revenues are projected to reach RMB 24.7 trillion by 2025. Guangzhou Tengtian Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Tengtian Technology), an enterprise with over 20 years of manufacturing experience, has responded to national calls and taken the lead in participating in the country's plan for resuming work and production. Founded in 1999, Guangzhou Tengtian Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd. boasts more than two decades of expertise in the automated packaging machinery industry. The company has collaborated with over 2,000 enterprises, including brands such as Want Want Group, Haidilao, Yamazaki Foods, and many others. Since 2012, Tengtian’s machinery has been consistently exported to numerous countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, maintaining steady growth ever since. TTMA Solution Upgrade and Optimization Online Video Conference on Automated Packaging Design Solutions March 15, 2022 (Tuesday) Meanwhile, Tengtian Technology is also making smooth progress in its collaboration with Chongqing *** Food Company. The company’s latest TTMA high-speed intelligent multifunctional system platform integrates multiple functions—including high-speed paging, high-speed labeling, vacuum adsorption, laser coding, visual inspection, defective product removal, and automatic material collection—into one comprehensive solution. TTMA High-Speed Intelligent Multifunctional System Platform Service Commitment Adhering to the principle of putting customers first, Tengtian Technology provides satisfactory pre-sales and after-sales services: 1. Offering professional technical consultation prior to purchase to help customers select appropriate equipment. 2. Providing training on label applicator operation to guide customers in proper usage and maintenance. 3. Delivering technical support to assist customers in resolving issues related to labeling and film application. 4. Offering a one-year warranty along with repair services. Note: The high-speed intelligent multifunctional system platform features various capabilities such as paging, adsorption, labeling, laser marking, visual inspection, defective product removal, and material collection, which can be customized according to specific needs. Tengtian Research and Development Base

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2022-03

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