Covid: Where on Earth is it Safe?

Let's take a look at the density of coronaviruses and how they act when released into the atmosphere (exclusive of droplets for I'm not a physicist and I don't know how to calculate that variable).

The density of coronaviruses is about 1.225 kg/m³. So, we need to get to an area where the density is lower than that because then the virus will sink--hopefully, like a lead balloon.

First, you need to calculate the air pressure at a certain altitude.  (go here) Once you have a number for air pressure at your chosen altitude, you then go here to calculate the density of air and you want to see a number that is less than 1.225 kg/m³ which is the density of coronaviruses.

I found these numbers. A pressure of 13.88 psi would be found at 1500 feet above sea level at a temperature of 32°F. The air temperature was left cold at 32°. Relative humidity was set at 50%. That gave us an air density of 1.21905 kg/m³; and that ensures that the coronavirus will sink rather than float.

The lower you can get the density of air, the more likely that the virus will sink sooner and faster away from your head.

There are, of course, additional factors which have a bearing but this is fundamental and I wouldn't dismiss it if you want to play it safe. But go ahead and input your altitude. Then try seeing what effect temperature has on density.

I found that at 30° F the density of air was around 1.297 kg/m³, enough to keep the virus afloat. Whereas as 90° F the density of air was around 1.1.56 kg/m³, enough to let it sink.

A take-away: the dryer the air, the denser it is and the more the virus will remain afloat. tip: keep the humidity high.

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