The multi-dimensional challenges of controlling respiratory virus transmission in indoor spaces: Insights from the linkage of a microscopic pedestrian simulation and SARS-CoV-2 transmission model

by B üsra Atamer Balkan, You Chang, Martijn Sparnaaij, Berend Wouda, Doris Boschma, Yangfan Liu, Yufei Yuan, Winnie Daamen, Mart C. M. de Jong, Colin Teberg, Kevin Schachtschneider, Reina S. Sikkema, Linda van Veen, Dorine Duives, Quirine A. ten Bosch SARS-CoV-2 transmission in indoor spaces, where most infection events occur, depends on the types and duration of human interactions, among others. Understanding how these human behaviours interface with virus characteristics to drive pathogen transmission and dictate the outcomes of non-pharmaceutical interventions is important for the informed and safe use of indoor spaces. To better understand these complex interactions, we developed the Pedestrian Dynamics —Virus Spread model (PeDViS): an individual-based model that combines pedestrian behaviour models with virus spread models that incorporate direct and indirect transmission routes. We explored the relationships between virus exposure and the duration, distance, respiratory behaviour, and environme nt in which interactions between infected and uninfected individuals took place and compared this to benchmark ‘at risk’ interactions (1.5 metres for 15 minutes). When considering aerosol transmission, individuals adhering to distancing measures may be at risk due to build-up of airborne virus i n the environment when infected individuals spend prolonged time indoors. In our restaurant case, guests seated at tables near infected individuals were at limited risk of infecti...
Source: PLoS Computational Biology - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research