I've seen several studies that say Lower Respiratory Tract viral infections tend to to be associated with aerosolization, and other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS have been shown to be aerosolized, including detecting the virus RNA in sampled air and cases that cannot be explained by other methods. It shouldn't be a huge leap to assume COVID-19 might be transferred via aerosol until proven otherwise. That doesn't mean that aerosol is the predominant transmission method, or even a common one. The CDC is recommending Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) protocols and Airborne Precautions for COVID-19. Considering the history of coronaviruses, I'm not sure why there is so much push back against the possibility that this little bug can be airborne. I wouldn't treat it as fact, but would assume for now. Also agree that some level of containment is still possible, and needs to be a primary goal. If for no other reason than to slow the rate of infection and keep outbreaks manageable. We aren't going to be like Singapore, but that doesn't mean complete failure.
That is the reason it is so deep in the lung - tiny particles that can float in the air (9 hours iirc) and travel hundreds of feet.
Re: 598 - Thanks for the info. I will look for these studies today.