South Korean Woman Infected With Covid-19 After Sharing Lift With Patient, Didn’t Talk To Each Other

South Korean Woman Shares Lift With Covid-19 Patient, Subsequently Tested Positive

Covid-19 cases in South Korea exceeded 6,000 on 5 Mar, recording the highest number of patients outside China.

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A South Korean woman reportedly contracted the virus after sharing a lift with a Covid-19 patient.

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However, the two did not converse, making it less likely for transmission to occur.

Despite the lack of interaction, the woman’s close proximity to the patient might have made her vulnerable to infection.

1-minute lift ride

On 18 Feb, the 40-year-old office worker apparently shared an elevator with a confirmed Covid-19 patient, at her apartment in Gangdong-gu, Seoul.

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According to South Korean broadcasting company JTBC, the two supposedly did not converse with each other, which puts them under minimal risk.

Both parties were, however, not wearing masks during the lift ride.

JTBC claims that the woman was infected in a short span of 1-minute, despite their lack of contact.

Close proximity in lift

According to Mr Chae Jae-wook from the Korea Medical Association (KMA), the small space in an elevator makes it hard for the safe distance of 2 metres to be maintained.

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Hence, there is a possibility that one can be infected even without contact with the other party.

The expert speculates that the virus might have transmitted via tiny droplets that entered her lungs.

It might also have reached the woman through mediums like lift buttons and handles.

Ensuring cleanliness of public spaces

While such situations seem beyond our control, we can still try our best to protect ourselves from the virus.

Singapore is already increasing the frequency of disinfection in public areas. Citizens are also advised to wash their hands more regularly, following the outbreak of Covid-19.

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Do continue to stay mindful of your personal hygiene, especially when you are out.

Featured image adapted from Women’s Weekly