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Covid

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Chances of catching covid if you have your windows down in the car?

54 replies

Greenbutterlfy566 · 20/06/2020 16:02

What are the chances of catching covid if you have your car windows down?

Ie: passing people on the road and other cars ahead of you with their windows down?

OP posts:
loutypips · 20/06/2020 16:05

If someone coughs or sneezes at you, or shouts or sings at you then probably you could. But Covid is not airborne.

See item 3 here:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-background-information/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-epidemiology-virology-and-clinical-features#transmission

BaconandWaffles · 20/06/2020 16:35

Basically zero. Are people really this paranoid??

TheGreatWave · 20/06/2020 16:36

Probably a lot less than a wasp flying in and stinging you.

WallsKOL · 20/06/2020 16:47

Please please just stop

NC4Now · 20/06/2020 16:49

However, at the drive in test centre they insist on windows up at all times except the actual swabbing 🤷‍♀️

RightIsRight · 20/06/2020 16:51

Zero

AuntieMarys · 20/06/2020 16:55

Dear God.

Drivingdownthe101 · 20/06/2020 16:56

Zero to none.

Andromache77 · 20/06/2020 16:57

I suspect that the drive-in test centre is trying to protect workers from those being tested and not the other way round. Unless you're in the middle of a crowd with your windows down or someone leans over and coughs in your face through them, it's pretty safe.

But keep them up if you really must, it won't hurt you either (unless you're travelling with someone else who doesn't live with you, in that case open windows allow for air circulation and significantly reduce the likelihood of infection).

SunbathingDragon · 20/06/2020 16:57

@NC4Now

However, at the drive in test centre they insist on windows up at all times except the actual swabbing 🤷‍♀️
Driving at speed on a road is different to slowly or waiting stationary in a testing centre, especially when many of the occupants of the cars are assumed to have covid-19. It’s just a courtesy to those doing the test.
kingkuta · 20/06/2020 17:02

Hilarious

SockYarn · 20/06/2020 17:08

Driving at speed on a road is different to slowly or waiting stationary in a testing centre, especially when many of the occupants of the cars are assumed to have covid-19. It’s just a courtesy to those doing the test.

Exactly this. In a Covid testing centre - and I've been so I know, I'm not just speculating - there are speed ramps and cones everywhere and you drive slooooowly. The staff directing you are not in PPE. They are working on the assumption that everyone in the cars is positive, they have symptoms which is why they are having the test in the first place. The only person wearing PPE is the person who swabs you. Windows closed is a sensible, simple precaution.

Driving past another car with the windows open is zero risk.

I support if you were stuck side by side in a traffic jam for 10 minutes, both had the windows open and were having a long conversation or coughing all over each other perhaps.

But otherwise no way.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 20/06/2020 17:16

I'd say nonexistent.

Bol87 · 20/06/2020 17:22

People have officially lost the plot 😫

BananaPop2020 · 20/06/2020 17:24

This is so ridiculous

Lemonmaid · 20/06/2020 17:24

Owners of convertible cars must be driving around with the roof up....

imsooverthisdrama · 20/06/2020 17:25

Really ?
Are you that bored ?
Stay home forever if your worried.

Tootletum · 20/06/2020 17:26

Is this a serious question?

Educationwhateducation · 20/06/2020 17:28

Erm about as much chance of me winning the lottery tonight - in fact, I think I’d be far more likely to win the lottery tonight.

Oblomov20 · 20/06/2020 17:36

FFS
Are you serious?
Please go and see your GP re your anxiety.

Cam77 · 20/06/2020 17:38

The flippant answers on this thread, tutututut.
A)A lot of people have anxiety issues related to the disease.
B)What is the harm in asking about the associated risk of an activity?
C)If the people/government of Britain had had a more cautious and sensible mindset at the beginning, we might not now have the 2nd highest per capita toll in the world with new daily cases still in the 1000s and associated deaths in the 100s. AND the economy would not be quite so screwed as numbers would be way down, the perceived risk way down, and people would be venturing outside to use nonessential services rather than still waiting it out.

cinammonbuns · 20/06/2020 17:41

@cam77 the problem is nobody on here can answer that question for them. Not even a virologist could answer that questions. It’s random and vague. And answering it seriously would be fuelling disproportionate anxiety.

OP, I cannot tell if this is a serious question but if it is please contact your GP for anxiety help.

Scottishgirl85 · 20/06/2020 17:43

This is literally insane. I'm sorry op but I think you need to address your anxiety.

Topseyt · 20/06/2020 17:50

No risk at all. That is what I would say I'm

SueEllenMishke · 20/06/2020 17:54

I would say non existent. I'd get help for anxiety though because this level of fear is not healthy.