Originally Posted by
tdracer
Threep, if they were sitting within a couple meters of the source, it was likely direct transmission - person sneezes/coughs, the droplets move about before they eventually get sucked away via recirc fans or overboard.
Short story, HEPA filters are an order of magnitude better than the surgical style face masks people use - the major risk is the people in close proximity, not something that has gone through a filter...
I guess that's what I was trying to say. If one is vulnerable to direct transmission with anyone within say 2 rows forward and back, it doesn't matter how perfect the HEPA filters are at removing droplets, you may catch something. Now add in the risks that an infected person contaminates the toilet door latch, or asymptomatic cabin crew infect 10-20% of the food trays during a flight.
I'm not trying to scaremonger, just pointing out that there are risks that are not mitigated by tech. Frequent hand washing, social distancing and not taking that trip if you show any signs of infection, that's what will keep flights operating.