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Original poster

The new variant - how much contact is required?

49 replies

tenlittlecygnets · 10/01/2021 23:10

I don't think I've seen how long a contact is required to catch the new variant of Covid. The old one was 15 minutes. Is this one less?

If anyone has any links or advice, that would be helpful!

OP posts:
Florelei · 10/01/2021 23:11

Following, as this is a very interesting question.

movingonup20 · 10/01/2021 23:11

If we knew that we would not be in this mess! The 15 mins was only an approximation anyway, it was more not to scare people going about their everyday lives eg passing in the street. I would concentrate on social distancing and mostly staying at home

CrocodilesCry · 10/01/2021 23:14

15 mins at 2m but 1min or less at 1m or less (that's what T&T work off).

I don't think that's changed for the new variant - but presumably almost twice as many (or more people) are catching it from the same amount of contact with someone who has tested positive.

misselphaba · 10/01/2021 23:23

Trisha Greeenhalgh (who is the reason why we wear masks when indoors) is saying on Twitter that the new variant may mean it's time to wear masks outdoors.

Her teams approach has been to advocate following the common sense, safest option first instead of waiting for the research. So taking the safest option whilst waiting for the research. They've been working non stop and will no doubt have research on this soon but in the mean time, if she says to wear a mask outdoors then I will do it.

LickEmbysmiling · 10/01/2021 23:40

Miss who is she?.. I agree with her stance, I've been madly frustrated by our scientists who take the opposite approach!

Pebble21uk · 10/01/2021 23:46

@LickEmbysmiling twitter.com/trishgreenhalgh

LaurieFairyCake · 10/01/2021 23:47

Which new variant?

The one in Japan which is frankly terrifying right now?

BlueBlancmange · 10/01/2021 23:49

@LaurieFairyCake

Which new variant?

The one in Japan which is frankly terrifying right now?

What one in Japan?
DamnYouAutocucumber · 10/01/2021 23:52

I really don't get this, if it was so transmissible that you could get it just from walking past someone, then R would be 20 or higher. For R to be closer to 1, it must be quite close contact... But then there seem to be lots of people who get it without going anywhere or seeing anyone?!

None of it makes sense.

Furries · 10/01/2021 23:54

@LaurieFairyCake

Which new variant?

The one in Japan which is frankly terrifying right now?

Eh? The one that was brought to our attention before Christmas, which was, and still is, prevalent in London/Essex/Kent.
LimeTreeGrove · 10/01/2021 23:57

Apparently the one in Japan was discovered in people who'd travelled from Brazil

LickEmbysmiling · 11/01/2021 00:05

Oh god which one in Japan

LickEmbysmiling · 11/01/2021 00:08

Just googled

borntohula · 11/01/2021 00:20

@LaurieFairyCake

Which new variant?

The one in Japan which is frankly terrifying right now?

Now THIS is scaremongering. How's it any more 'terrifying' than the mutant strain we're already dealing with here?
Dawnlassie · 11/01/2021 00:21

somebody saying you can catch it over the phone. Not sure if true.

Happygogoat · 11/01/2021 00:42

@Dawnlassie

somebody saying you can catch it over the phone. Not sure if true.
Please please PLEASE think this through.....
Porcupineintherough · 11/01/2021 00:44

@Dawnlassie Grin

Blessex · 11/01/2021 00:46

@Happygogoat actually laughing out loud.

Unsure33 · 11/01/2021 01:07

It was only confirmed it’s more transmissible on 18 th December . They knew about the variant but not this fact

So I think they would need lots more tests to confirm action .

But I would think a LOT more extra care is needed .

So more distancing, more hand washing , more ventilation.

PrincessNutNuts · 11/01/2021 01:39

I now have four friends who swear they haven't been indoors with anyone, but they have covid.

You can't really interrogate people when they're ill, but two of them I know are shielding, WFH, shopping deliveries, no children in school, no partner going to work, not seeing anyone at all. Only going out to walk or run.

Two in London. Two in Hampshire.

PrincessNutNuts · 11/01/2021 01:40

@misselphaba

Trisha Greeenhalgh (who is the reason why we wear masks when indoors) is saying on Twitter that the new variant may mean it's time to wear masks outdoors.

Her teams approach has been to advocate following the common sense, safest option first instead of waiting for the research. So taking the safest option whilst waiting for the research. They've been working non stop and will no doubt have research on this soon but in the mean time, if she says to wear a mask outdoors then I will do it.

It's called the precautionary principle.
Turtleshelly · 11/01/2021 02:41

The one in Japan came from Brazil. Brazil like us let the virus spread far too much.

Turtleshelly · 11/01/2021 02:42

The precautionary principle is far more preferable to the reactionary delay and u turn principle. Definitely.

moominmomma1234 · 11/01/2021 05:09

Anyone considered it might be mice or cats spreading the new one ? Just thinking out loud , no proof !

Jouuuuuuuuule · 11/01/2021 06:07

Good question, following. We wore masks on our daily walk yesterday.

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