A new survey from the University of Manchester and the Open University found that taller people reported that they were at greater risk of contracting the new coronavirus.
What’s going on:
- The survey, which interviewed 2,000 people about personal attributes, work, and life practices, found that taller people may be at higher risk for COVID-19, Fox News reports.
- The survey specifically said that people over 6 feet tall were more than twice as likely to become infected with the new coronavirus, the New York Post reports.
- According to The Telegraph, the researchers involved in the study agreed and said that the coronavirus spreads through the air. Height wouldn’t matter if the virus only traveled on surfaces.
What do the experts say?
- “The results of this survey in terms of associations between height and diagnosis suggest that downward droplet transmission is not the only transmission mechanism and aerosol transmission is possible,” said Professor Evan Kontopantelis of the University of Manchester to The Telegraph. “This has been suggested by other studies, but our confirmation method is novel.”
- “Although social distancing is still important because droplet transmission is likely to occur, it does suggest that wearing masks may be just as effective, if not more, in prevention. But also, air purification in spaces interiors should be further explored. “
