TALKING, SINGING COULD ALSO SPREAD COVID-19

SINGING or even talking could spread the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), according to an infectious disease expert.

Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana in a post on Sunday said while the virus is transmitted mainly through a cough or sneeze, the virus could also spread whenever someone talks.

“While people with Covid-19 symptoms spread virus by coughing

and sneezing, those without symptoms spread disease through two main activities: talking and singing,” he added. “And if you do these in enclosed spaces, like a church, then even one person singing at the top of his lungs can super spread.”

Salvana cited a story by the Los AngelesTimes of a coronavirus “superspreader” in Washington State who infected 52 people during choir practice.

A study by the United States National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine suggests that even breathing or talking could possibly release tiny particles called Bioaerosols, which carry the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2, which then causes Covid-19.

The researchers found that the virus could float in the air in the ultrafine mist that is produced when virus carriers exhale.

The most common mode of Covid transmission is still through coughing. Around 60 percent of Covid patients experienced coughing, according to a study in Italy.

To avoid this, Salvana reminded the public to apply the minimum nonpharmaceutical interventions.

“So, always wear a mask. Don’t talk face to face as much as possible. Avoid social visits for now — stick to phones and video messaging. Don’t go to physical choir practice,” he said.