Viral aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from simulated human emission in a concert hall.

The dispersion of aerosols was studied experimentally in several concert halls to evaluate their airborne route and thus the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreading. For this, a dummy was used that emits simulated human breath containing aerosols (mean diameter of 0.3 μm) and CO, with a horizontal exhalation velocity of v = 2.4 m/s, measured 10 cm in front of the mouth. Aerosol and CO concentration profiles were mapped using sensors placed around the dummy. No substantial enrichment of aerosols and CO was found at adjacent seats, provided that (1) there were floor displacement outlets under each seat enabling a minimum local fresh air vertical flow of v = 0.05 m/s, (2) the air exchange rate (ACH) was more than 3, and (3) the dummy wore a surgical face mask. Knowledge of dispersion of viral droplets by airborne routes in real environments will help in risk assessment when re-opening concert halls and theatres after a pandemic lockdown.