The spread of Covid-19 in passenger ships is exacerbated when a cabin door is left open to let in fresh air, according to new research led by Cranfield University.

High performance simulations were developed to show how infected particles from a person’s mouth were distributed onboard small passenger ships. The key finding was that keeping the cabin door shut led to a shorter area spread of particles.

The research aims to aid the post-pandemic recovery of the maritime industry — which saw a reduction of 43% in passenger vessel operations due to Covid-19. The results will advance on-board protection measures against future viruses — reducing the economic and social impact of pandemics on seafarers, passengers and the shipping industry.

Maritime industry hit hard by pandemic

Passenger transportation across the world has been significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the time passengers spend confined together creating a risk to health and spreading the virus.

Although research of how the virus spreads in hospitals and other settings such as cars is extensive, equivalent studies into Covid-19 on ships have been limited.

Source: Read Full Article