Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and Airborne Microplastics

Of current concern to global health is the emergence of a novel human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing severe respiratory tract infections in humans. Person to person and surface contact have been fingered as the major transmission route of SARS-CoV-2. The ability of virus to survive in the environment is a critical factor in viral transmission. Recent researches have shown that the virus can survive on surface of plastics up to 5 days under room temperature and in aerosol for up to 3 hours. Therefore this research opinion proposes that SARS-CoV-2 can be accommodated in formed viral biofilms on microplastics surfaces and can thus be deposited over longer distances (> 100 km), than is currently being thought to be, since microplastics are airborne over long distances. This pathway should be studied by scientist as it may provide insight on why some region experienced the outbreak with no trace/history of visit or contact by an infected person. As there are currently no specific therapies for SARS-CoV-2, we therefore proposed that total lockdown (which have also reduced global anthropogenic activities) is perhaps in the best interest of mankind.