Before answering the question of whether SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted, let’s review the three already known means of transmission and other characteristics of its behavior in the environment. From highest to the lowest level of spread:
Droplets: they are generated when we cough, sneeze, sing or speak. These drops have weight, so they fall quickly and are not suspended in the air. In this way, a person without an adequate protective barrier can be a recipient of these droplets.
Contact with the hands: The risk of contagion occurs when touching the face after making contact with infected surfaces (tissues, glasses, taps, door handles, elevator buttons, handrails).
Clouds of viral particles (aerosols): Studies have shown that microdroplets with viral particles that are released by just breathing can travel distances of up to 2 meters and remain in the air for minutes and even hours depending on ventilation.
Other data:
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive up to 9 hours on the skin; under cool and dark conditions for up to 28 days on phone screens, glass, steel, and banknotes that have polymer plastic.
Well applied alcohol-based hand sanitizers neutralize the virus in 15 seconds.
Infected people are much more infectious than surfaces.
A study carried out on 38 patients from February 9 to 15, 2020 at a hospital in Hubei province, China, yielded the following results:
12 of 38 patients manifested ocular alterations similar to conjunctivitis, including conjunctival congestion, chemosis, epiphora, or increased secretions.
The patients with ocular alterations presented stronger manifestations of the disease.
11 of 12 patients with ocular abnormalities were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in rapid tests and two of these in conjunctival and nasopharyngeal exudates. From this, it has been deduced that tears can present a viral load with sufficient power to infect, although there is a low prevalence.
Conclusion:
Eye secretions in a SARS-CoV-2 positive patient can infect people who come in contact with them.
