The coronavirus might be even more contagious and dangerous than we already think, and one scientist warns a super-risky place to be is near the ocean … so she’s urging folks to stay the hell away … at least as the Pacific Ocean is concerned.
Kim Prather — an atmospheric chemist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography — strongly believes that COVID-19 could enter the Pacific and transfer back into the air along the California coast … possibly infecting anyone still daring to surf, swim or simply take a walk on the beach.
Prather, who lives in San Diego, tells the L.A. Times … “I wouldn’t go in the water if you paid me $1 million right now.”
According to her research … Prather’s found the ocean contains all kinds of pathogens and constantly sprays these particles into the air, but the scary part is — she believes the coronavirus is light enough to float through the air much farther than we think.
Translation — social distancing doesn’t work with the ocean. Kim drives the point home by saying … “It’s not going to kill you if you miss a few surfing sessions, but it could if you go out there and get in the wrong air.”
Prather’s warning comes as the world’s scientists are struggling to determine if COVID-19 can spread by more than just sneezes and coughs.
Even Dr. Fauci‘s publicly hinting the virus might be more airborne than originally believed and suggesting it’s a good idea for everyone to cover their faces.
As of now, that’s not recommended by WHO or the CDC … but beaches across the country are closing to keep people from gathering in large groups and possibly infecting each other.
Clearly, Prather thinks the beach should be a no-go for everyone.