Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- According to a new study the coronavirus can travel up to 4 meters in the air from an infected person.

Researchers from the Academy of Military Medical Sciences in Beijing found that the aerosol distribution characteristics indicated that the transmission distance of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) might be 4 meters (13 feet).

For the study published in a journal by the US Centres for Disease Control, the researchers utilised air samples from the intensive care unit (ICU) and general wards that were used for COVID-19 patients of the Huoshenshan Hospital, Wuhan, China, which is the epicenter for the current pandemic.

But the authors also indicated that the virus may not be as effective in causing an infection at that distance.

The study also found that frequently touched surfaces such as computer mice, trash cans, sickbed handrails, and doorknobs had a high percentage of the virus.

The research also said, ‘Sporadic positive results were obtained from sleeve cuffs and gloves of medical staff. These results suggest that medical staff should perform hand hygiene practices immediately after patient contact.’